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STAGES OF SOCIETY. 



(*) 



























































MITCHELL’S SCHOOL GEOGRAPHY. 


V 


SECOND REVISED EDITION. 

A SYSTEM OF 

MODERN GEOGRAPHY, 

COMPRISING A DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT STATE OF THE 

WORLD, 

. AND ITS FIVE GREAT DIVISIONS, 

AMERICA, EUROPE, ASIA, AFRICA AND OCEANICA 

WITH THEIR SEVERAL 

EMPIRES, KINGDOMS, STATES, TERRITORIES, ETC. 

EMBELLISHED BY NUMEROUS ENGRAVINGS 

ADAPTED TO THE CAPACITY OF YOUTH. 



ILLUSTRATED BY AN 

ATLAS OF TWENTY-EIGHT MAPS, 

DRAWN AND ENGRAVED TO ACCOMPANY THE WORK 


BY S. AUGUSTUS MITCHELL. 

PHILADELPHIA: 

THOMAS, COWPERTHWAIT & CO. 
1849. 







* 


A D VERTISEM EN T 
TO THE FIRST REVISED EDITION. 


The publication of the Sixth Census of the United States, (1840,) has enabled the Author 

' complete the first periodical revision of his School Geography and Atlas, in conformity 
with the plan proposed in the preface of the former edition, and which will bo repeats 
regularly hereafter, every successive period of five years. 

In the present revision, all the new facts developed by the late census, that are appli¬ 
cable to the subject, have been embodied in the Geography, together with such notices of 
recent public works, &c., throughout the Union, as a due attention to the progress of im¬ 
provement rendered necessary, and the plan of the book permitted. The various political 
changes, also, that have occurred in foreign countries since the first publication of the 
book—suen as the reunion of Upper and Lower Canada; the secession of the State of 
Yucatan from the Mexican Republic; the dissolution of the Peru-Bolivian Confederation; 
the retrocession of Syria to its former masters ; the annexation of part of New Zealand to 
the British Empire, and other similar events, have all been carefully noted. In addition to 
which, such mistakes as have been detected by a close examination of both sections of the 
work, and which are more or less unavoidable in compilations of this kind, have been 
thoroughly corrected. Such emendations have been likewise made in the Statistics of 
various European and other States, as could be collected from a strict examination of the 
latest Geographical and Statistical works. 

On the engraved plates of the Atlas, the population of the principal Cities and Towns in 
the United States has been accurately inserted, so far as the last census has furnished the 
means; also, all such Counties recently established in the various States and Territories 
of the Union, as were required to make the maps correspond with that important national 
document; together with all the requisite alterations, corresponding to the political changes 
noted above, that have taken place in different parts of the world. In the Geographical 
and Statistical Tables appended to the Atlas, such improvements have been made as will, 
with the addition of two new pages of American Statistics, render that part of the work 
much more valuable than before. 

The numerous testimonials of approbation bestowed on, and the extensive patronage 
obtained for, Mitchell's School Geography and Atlas, in every section of the United 
States, are highly gratifying to the Author and Publishers, and prompt them to use such 
reasonable endeavours to improve each future revision, as to render the work at all time* 
worthy of public favour, and satisfactory to their patrons. 

Philadelphia, October 1st, 1842. 


Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1846, by S. Augustus Mitchell, in the 
Clerk s Office of the District Court of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. 


PRINTED BY SMITH AND PETERS, 
Franklin Buildings, 6th St., below Arch. 


( 4 ) 


• o 
•) o 
O o 






7 (* 


A DVERTISEMENT 

TO THE SECOND REVISED EDITION. 

Nearly four years ago, the first periodical revision of Mitchell's School Geography arui 
Atlas was, in conformity with the original prospectus of the work, completed; and the 
various improvements then introduced, the publishers were gratified to learn, met with 
the unqualified approbation of its numerous patrons. Since that period the extended sale 
of the work, and the great number printed and distributed over all parts of the Union, as 
well as abroad, have rendered the adoption of entire new stereotype plates requisite, from 
which the present revised edition is printed.* 

The discoveries made from time to time in geographical science, the frequent publication 
of more recent works descriptive of different countries, and the political changes which 
occur in various parts of the world, render periodical revisions of works like the present 
not only proper, but indispensable; otherwise their statements cannot be expected to con¬ 
form to, and keep pace with, the current state of affairs. Geography is, more than any 
other science, in its nature progressive, varying with the course of events; and hence 
demanding, on the part of those interested in the publication of works connected with it, 
r jasing vigilance, in order to keep pace with its requirements, 
he utmost care has been bestowed on the present edition: the whole work has been 
ised, many portions of it have been written anew, and more recent statements introduced. 
"Sme of the lessons have been Temodelled, and several new ones added, but without 
hanging their arrangement A careful examination of M’Culloch’s Gazetteer, Wilkes’ 
tfarrative of the U. S. Exploring Expedition, Fremont’s Tour west of the Rocky Moun- 
ins, and other late publications, has supplied various new facts; while, within a 
cent period, the annexation of Texas to the Union, the interesting position of the Ore¬ 
gon question, the independence of Upper California, and the settlement of affairs conse¬ 
quent on the termination of the Chinese war, have imparted new interest to those parts 
of the earth, and have all been noticed in the Geography, in such form and manner as its 
limits permitted. 

In the Atlas, also, a thorough revision has been made, and several new and useful plates 
have been introduced. Of these, the maps of Texas; of Oregon and California; of 
France, Spain, Portugal and Italy; the maps of New Brunswick, &c.; Greece and Egypt, 
with the plate of New England, on a larger scale, inserted, some time since, in place of 
the old one, besides increasing the number from eighteen to twenty-eight maps, have 
added new interest to the Atlas, and rendered it much more valuable and complete. In 
addition to which the Geographical and Statistical Tables appended \ the Atlas, and 
which are so highly prized, have been remodelled and enlarged, and made to conform, in 
ail respects, with the most recent publications. 

The present edition of the Geography and Atlas is submitted to teachers and the public 
generally, in the confident expectation that it will be found to have received such japrovo- 
tnent as the march of events required ; and that it is equally, if not more fully entitled to 
the high degree of approbation which the work has met with in all parts of the country. 

* It is stated in more than one of the School Geographies published in this country, that those works are 
printed from moveable type, and not from stereotype plates, “which cannot be altered;" the latter clause 
of which statement is a positive error, as is well known to every publisher who has had occasion to resort to 
he use of stereotype plates, as nothing is more common than to have such plates altered, and new mattes 
jwerted in them. 

Philadelphia, May, 1&13 


(5) 


INTRODUCTION. 


Geography is a description of the world, with its inhabitants ana 
productions. It is not only an entertaining and curious, but highly 
useful study. It opens and enlarges the mind; gives a true knowledge 
of the various situations of countries, with their rivers, mountains, &c.; 
and is of such importance in history, that without it, nothing can be 
understood with either satisfaction or correctness 

It must have attracted the attention of mankind at a very early pe 
riod. The desire to become acquainted with the country they lived in, 
and to determine and establish its boundaries, would naturally direct 
their attention to it. 

The study of Geography will enable young persons, when they hea 3 
of distant countries, to tell where they are situated—what are their pro¬ 
ductions—how they are governed, and what kind of people live there. 
To know these things is very important, and will give all who are. 
acquainted with them an advantage over those who possess not such 
knowledge: it will be a satisfaction to themselves and to their parents; 
and will be a proof that they have attended well to their studies. 

TO THE PUPIL. 

The engraving on the opposite page is a picture of one side of oui 
earth, as it would appear if seen from a great distance. It rolls like an 
immense ball through the heavens, surrounded on every side by the 
planets and the countless myriads of stars, all performing their stated 
motions under the guidance of the great Creator who first called diem 
into existence. 

Men live on, and are constantly walking about, this great ball, the 
earth. Cities and towns are built on it; trees and plants grow on it, 
and ships sail on the sea: yet the earth is all the time turning round 
and round, as if you rolled a ball or an apple on the floor, or threw it 
from you into the air. All this is true; but it is hard to understand. 
It is done by the power of God, who made us, and all things on the 
earth, with the sun, the moon, and the vast multitude of stars we see 
in the sky. “ In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth 
the heavens, and ail the host of them.” Gen. I. II. 


(6) 


MITCHELL’S SCHOOL GEOGRAPHY 


PART FIRST. 


GEOGRAPHICAL DEFINITIONS. 





1. What is Geography? 

Ans. A description of the surface of the Earth. 

2. What is the surface of the Earth ? 

A. It is the outside part. 

3. How is the surface of the Earth divided ? 

A. Into land and water. 

4. How much of the earth’s surface is Land ? 

A. About one-fourth. 

On the map of the World, No. 1., in the Atlas, you will see that 
there is a great deal more water than land on the earth. The coloured 
part slioWs the land; the rest is water. 

( 7 > 

























8 


GEOGRAPHICAL DEFINITIONS. 


5. How much more water than land is there on the Earth ? 

A. There is at least three times more. 

6. What is the name given to the chief part of the water on the sur¬ 
face of the earth ? 

A. The Sea, or Ocean. 

7. Is the water of the Ocean salt or fresh ? 

A. It is salt. 

( 8. How does the Ocean appear ? 

A. Blue and boundless, like the sky. 

9. How wide is it ? 

A. In some places, 10,000 miles wide; in others, 3000 
and 4000, so that ships may sail for weeks, and even months, 
without coming to land. 

10. In what way does the Ocean benefit mankind ? 

A. It furnishes an abode for innumerable fishes, which 
are the means of supplying millions of mankind with food 
and employment: besides this, the ocean renders intercourse 
between distant countries easy and rapid. 

11. For what purpose do ships sail on the Ocean ? 

A. They carry the productions of our own country to other 
parts of the world, and bring back in return things that are 
useful to us. 

12. What do our ships take to other countries ? 

A. They take cotton, flour, tobacco, rice, and many other 
articles. 

13. What do they bring back in return ? 

A. From some countries, they bring woollen, cotton, and 
silk goods, which are useful to us for clothing; from some, 
coffee and sugar; and from others, gold and silver. 

- 2 - 

14. What is the trade carried on A- ships called? 

A. It is called Commerce, and is highly useful to mankind. 

15. How is it useful ? 

A. Jt gives employment to vast numbers of men; and by 
it we become acquainted with other parts of the Earth. 

16. In what other way does the Ocean benefit mankind? 

A. The vapour or fog which rises from the ocean, forms 
rain, which waters the earth, and fills our springs and rivers. 




GEOGRAPHICAL DEFINITIONS. 


9 


17. What else may be observed of the Ocean ? 

A. Its saltness prevents it from becoming corrupt, and the 
constant agitation of its waters, by the winds, preserVes it 
from the extremes of heat and cold. 

This shows how wisely God has created all things. 


NATURAL DIVISIONS OF WATER. 



The Oceaa. 


18. How is the Ocean divided ? 

A. Into five great parts, likewise called Oceans. 

19. Which are the five Oceans? 

A. They are the Northern, Southern, Atlantic; Pacific, and 
Indian Oceans. 

20. What other names have some of the Oceans ? 

A. The Northern is often called the Arctic, and the South 
ern, the Antarctic Ocean; and the Pacific Ocean is sometime 
called the South Sea. 

21. Into what other parts is the water divided ? 

A. Into Seas, Archipelagoes,* Bays, Gulfs, Sounds, Straits. 
Channels, Lakes, and Rivers. 

22. What is a Sea ? 

A. It is a collection of water, smaller than an ocean, and 

* Archipelagoes, pronounced Ar-ke-pe.-a-goee. 

B 


















10 


GEOGRAPHICAL DEFINITIONS. 


surrounded by land, as the Mediterranean Sea, the Black 
Sea, &c. 

23. *What is an Archipelago ? 

A. A sea filled with islands, as the Grecian Archipelago, 
east of Greece, or the West Indies, which is sometimes called 
the Columbian Archipelago. 

24. What is a Gulf or Bay ? 

A. A part of the Sea, extending into the land, as the Gulf 
of Mexico, Hudson’s Bay. 

25. What is a Strait ? 

A. A narrow passage, connecting different bodies of water, 
as the Strait of Gibraltar, &c. 

26. What is a Sound ? 

A. A small sea, so shallow that its depth may be mea¬ 
sured by a line dropped from the surface to the bottom, as 

Long Island Sound, 
Pamlico Sound. 

27. What is a Chan¬ 
nel? ' 

A. A passage of 
water, wider than a 
Strait, as the Eng¬ 
lish Channel. 

A Harbour. 

28. What is a Harbour or Haven ? 

A. A small bay, where vessels may remain at anchor in 
safety. 

-3-- 



A Lake. 


29. What is a Lake ? 

A. A collection of water, surrounded by land, as Lake 













GEOGRAPHICAL DEFINITIONS. 11 

Superior, Lake Winnipeg, or the Lake of Geneva, in Switzer¬ 
land. 

30. Where are the largest Lakes to be found ? 

A. In North America: they are so wide and deep, that the 
largest ships may sail on them. 

31. Is the water of lakes salt or fresh ? 

A. Lakes are both salt and fresh: of the latter, the largest 
s Lake Superior. 

32. Which is the largest salt lake ? 

A. The Caspian Lake, or sea, in Asia. Salt lakes, when 
large, are commonly called seas, as the Sea of Aral, and the 
Dead Sea.* 

33. How do lakes discharge their waters ? 

A. Fresh-water lakes generally discharge their waters 
through a river into the ocean; but salt lakes have seldom 
any outlet. 



34. What is a river? 

A. A stream of water, running from springs or from lakes, 
into the ocean, as the Mississippi, the Amazon, &c. 

35. How are rivers formed? 

A. By small branches, flowing from mountains or hills. 

3G. YV hat are the small branches of rivers called ? 

A. Broods and creeks. 

33. What is tne place where a river empties into the sea called ? 

A. Us mouth; where it rises, its source or head. 

37. What is the place through which a river flows called ? 

A. Its bed, or channel. 

* The largest of the salt lakes, that is not called a sea, is the Great Salt Lako of Upper 
California, explored by Captain Fremont; it is 180 miles in circuit. 







12 


GEOGRAPHICAL DEFINITIONS 




Fall, or Cataract. 

When rivers flow down steep or perpendicular banks, they form fall* 
or cataracts, as the falls of Niagara, the falls of the Passaic, and others. 

39. What is a Canal ? 

A. A wide ditch or channel,. filled with water, through 
which boats convey travellers and goods from one town to 
another. 


Canal and Lock. 

40. Where are Canals most numerous ? 

A. In the United States, Great Britain, and Holland. 

41. Which is the largest Canal in the world ? 

A. The Imperial Canal, in China. 

42. Which are the most important Canals in the United States ? 

A. The Erie Canal, in New York; the Pennsylvania 

Canal, in Pennsylvania; and the Ohio Canal, in Ohio. 















GEOGRAPHICAL DEFINITIONS. 


13 


-4- 

NATURAL DIVISIONS OF LAND. 

43. How is the land surface of the earth divided ? 

A. Into the Eastern and Western continents. 

44. What does the Eastern continent comprise ? 

A. Europe, Asia, and Africa. 

45. What does the Western continent comprise? 

A. North America and South America. 

46. What other division is there on the earth ? 

A. Oceanica, which comprises the islands of the Pacific 
Ocean. 



47. What are the Eastern and Western continents sometimes 
called ? 

A. The Eastern and Western Hemispheres. The word 
hemisphere signifies half a globe. 




14 


GEOGRAPHICAL DEFINITIONS. 


The map of the world, No. 1., in the Atlas, shows the Eastern and 
Western Hemispheres. 

48. Into what division is the earth divided by the Equator ? 

A. Into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. 

49. What does the Northern Hemisphere comprise ? 

A. That part of the earth between the Equator and tV 
North Pole. 

50. What does the Southern Hemisphere comprise ? 

A. That part of the Earth between the Equator and tlio 
South Pole. 

The map of the world, No. 2., in the Atlas, shows the Northern and 
Southern Hemispheres. 

51. What are the natural divisions of the land surface of the earth? 

A. Continents, Peninsulas, Isthmuses, Islands, Capes, and 

Promontories. 

52. Why are these called natural divisions ? 

A. To distinguish them from political divisions, such as 
Empires, Kingdoms, and Republics. 

53. What is a Continent ? 

A. A great extent of land, containing many countries. 
America is a continent. 

54. What is a Peninsula ? 

A. A portion of land, nearly surrounded by water. Africa 
and South America are peninsulas. 

55. What is an Isthmus ? 

A. A narrow neck of land, which joins two parts of a 
continent, or a peninsula to a continent; as the Isthmus of 
Darien, and the Isthmus of Suez. 

56. What are Islands ? 

A. Portions of land, entirely surrounded by water, as the 
British Islands, or Newfoundland. 

57. What is a Cape ? 

A. A point of land extending into the sea, as the Cape of 
Good Hope, and Cape Horn. 

58. What is a Promontory ? 

A. A high point of land, extending into the sea, the ex¬ 
treme end of which is sometimes called a cape, sometimes a 
point, and sometimes a headland. 


GEOGRAPHICAL DEFINITIONS. 15 

-5- 


Some Capes and 
Promontories have 
light-houses built 
on them : these are 
so called because 
they have a bright 
light burning on the 
op of them after 
dark,that ships may 
not sail too near the 
land. 

59. What is a 
Mountain ? 

A. A portion of land, raised up to a great height. 

60. How high are the highest mountains in the world ? 

A. They are about five and a half miles high; others are 
two, three, and four miles high. 

61. What is a chain or range of Mountains ? 

A. A number of mountains joined together, and extending 
many hundreds, and even thousands of miles in length. 



Plains. Range of Mountains. Mountains. Valley. Hills. Volcano. City on Fire. 


62. What is a Volcano ? 

A. A burning mountain, with an opening at the top, called 
a crater. 

63 What rises from the crater of a Volcano ? 



A Promontory and Light-House. 




















16 


GEOGRAPHICAL DEFINITIONS. 


A. Fire and smoke constantly rise from many Volcanoes. 

64. What are sometimes thrown out by Volcanoes ? 

A. Melted lava, large stones, ashes, and often floods of water. 

65. How many Volcanoes are there in the world ? 

A. More than 200: of which upwards of one-half are r 
America. 

Cities and towns are sometimes set on fire by the burning lava which 
flows down the sides of volcanoes: others have been destroyed by floods 
of water; and some by vast showers of hot ashGcs. 



Ascent of Mont Cianc. 


Some mountains are so steep and rugged, that it is difficult to ascend 
to the top of them. The picture represents a party of men going up 
Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Europe. They were more than 
tlvo days in getting to the top, and were almost frozen with cold. The 
summits of the highest mountains, even those in the hottest parts of 
the earth, are always covered with ice and snow. 

. 66. What is a hill ? 

A. A portion of land raised up, but not so high as a moun¬ 
tain. 

67. What is a Valley T 

A. A low portion of country between mountains or hills. 

68. What is a Plain ? 

A. A portion of country nearly flat or level. 

69. Are ail plains alike in appearance ? 

A. No; some are covered with grass, some with trees, and 
some only with sand. 






GEOGRAPHICAL DEFINITIONS. 


17 


- 6 - 

70. What are plains covered with sand called ? 

A. They are denominated deserts; some are also covered 
with stones and gravel. Deserts are generally destitute of 
water. 

71. Which are the largest deserts in the world? 

A. The great African desert, and the desert of Cobi, ir 
Asia. 

72. With what is the African desert interspersed ? 

A. Various fertile spots that are scattered here and there 
over the surface, like islands in the ocean. 

73. What are these called ? 

A. They are called Oases: they are generally inhabited, 
and serve as resting places for travellers. 



The Great Desert. 


The Great Desert is frequently crossed by parties of travellers, with 
camels; these are called caravans; both men and beasts often suffer 
greatly from want of water, and sometimes perish from thirst. The 
picture represents a small caravan crossing the desert, one of the people 
of which appears to have just expired. 

74. What are Caves or Caverns ? 

A. They are openings in the earth, often wonderful on 
account of their great size and extent. 

C 















18 


GEOGRAPHICAL DEFINITIONS. 


One of the 
most remarkable 
is Fingal’s Cave, 
in Staffa, an isl¬ 
and on the west 
coast of Scotland, 
Its sides are for* 
med with the reg, 
ularity of walla 
of hewn stone. 
It is 227 feet in 
length, and 42 
feet wide, and 
presents a most 
striking example 

of the sublime and beautiful creations with which God has adorned the 
world. 

75. What are public roads ? 

A. Pathways used for travelling from place to place. 

76. Are roads useful to mankind? 

A. They are highly useful, for without them the people in 
different parts of the same country would not know each other. 
1 77. What is a rail-road ? 

A. An improved kind of road, now much used in the 
Onited States, and also in some parts of Europe. 



Rail Road. 


The cars or carriages used on them, are drawn by steam locomotive 
engines, at the rate of 20 or 30 miles an hour, and sometimes even 
more. Vast numbers of people, and great quantities of merchandise 
are conveyed by them from place to place, in a manner much moif 
convenient than by the old method. 



Fingal’s Cave. 

































GEOGRAPHICAL DEFINITIONS 


19 


- 7 - 

PRODUCTIONS OF TIIE EARTH. 

78. What are the productions of the earth ? 

A. They are either vegetable, animal, or mineral. 

79. What are vegetable productions ? 

A. Those things that grow out of the ground, as trees, 
plants, grain, fruits and flowers. 

80. What are the vegetable productions most useful to mankind? 
A. Wheat, corn, rye, rice, potatoes, bread-fruit, &c. 

81. What are the chief classes of the animal kingdom ? 

A. Beasts, birds, fishes, reptiles, and insects. 

82. What are minerals ? 

A. They consist of substances of various kinds, that are 
dug out of the earth. 

83. What are the principal classes of minerals ? 

A. Four: the metallic, the inflammable, precious stones, 
and building-stones. 

84. What are the most important metallic minerals ? 

A. They are gold, silver, iron, copper, and lead. 

85. What are the principal inflammable minerals ? 

A. Pitcoal, peat, sulphur, bitumen, and asphaltum. 

86 . What are the most valuable precious stones ? 

A. Diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds. 



Diamond River. 


Diamonds are highly valuable, and ar.e often found amongst the 
earth, at the bottoms of rivers. The engraving represents a river in 





20 


GEOGRAPHICAL DEFINITIONS. 



Great Geyser. 


South America, from which the 
water has been nearly all pumped 
out by the machine on the right 
hand of the picture, and negro slaves 
are examining the earth for dia 
monds. 

87. What are some of the prin 
cipal building-stones ? 

A. Granite, limestone, ma*. 
ble, chalk, slate, and sandstone. 

Mineral springs, both hot and 
cold, occur in many parts of the 
earth. The most remarkable are 
the Geysers, or Spouting springs of 
Iceland, which throw up volumes of 
hot water, with a noise like cannon, 
to the height of 90 or 100 feet. 


8 


ON THE FORM AND MOTIONS OF THE EARTH. 

88 . What is the earth ? 

A. It is the planet we inhabit. 

89. What are the planets? 

A. Immense bodies, which revolve round the sun and re¬ 
ceive their light from him. 

90. What is the shape or form of the earth ? 

A. It is like an orange, being slightly flattened at the poles. 

91. By what other names is the earth known ? 

A. It is also called the World, the Globe, and the Sphere. 

92. How many motions has the earth, and what are they ? 

A. Two; the daily and the yearly. 

^ 93. What is the daily motion of tile earth ? 

A. That in which it turns round every twenty-four hours. 

94. What is the yearly motion of the earth ? 

A. That in which it goes round the sun once every year. 

95. What takes place during the earth’s yearly motion ? 

A. A change of seasons. 

96. What is a change of seasons ? 






GEOGRAPHICAL DEFINITIONS. 


21 


A. The change from winter to spring, from spring to summer, 
from summer to autumn, and from autumn to winter again. 

97. What is the length of the path travelled over by the earth every 
year, in its passage round the sun ? 

A. Upwards of 567 millions of miles, or more than a 
thousand miles every minute. 

98. What is the effect of the earth’s daily motion ? 

A. It produces a change from day to night. 

99. If the earth did not turn round on its axis, what effect would be 
produced ? 

A. The day and night would then each be six months long, 
and, consequently, there would be but one day and one night 
in the year. In that case, our earth would be scarcely habitable. 

100. What do these things teach us ? 

A. That the works of the Almighty are directed by infinite 
wisdom and goodness. 

-9- 

101. What is the axis of the earth? 

A. It is an imaginary line passing through its centre North 
and South. 

102. What are the poles of the earth? 

A. The ends of the axis. 

103. How manv poles are there ? 

A. Two; the North, and the South Pole. 

104. Where are the poles situated? 

A. The North Pole is the north point of the earth’s axis 
and the South Pole is the s' uth point. 

Point out on Map of the World, No. 1, of the Atlas, the North Poh 
dnd the South Pole. You will perceive that this map consists of th*, 
Eastern and Western Hemispheres, that is, a map of both sides of th~ 
earth presented to view at once; and although the words North Pole 
and South Pole are engraved twice, yet there is but one North Pole and 
one South Pole. 

105. How far distant are the poles situated from each other ? 

A. One hundred pud eighty degrees. 

106. How many miles is that J 

About 12,500 miles, which is half round the world. 

107. What is the size or bulk of the earth? 




22 


GEOGRAPHICAL DEFINITIONS, 


A. It is nearly 25,000 miles in circumference, and 8,000 
in diameter.* 

108. What is meant by the circumference of the earth ? 

Circumference is the distance-round the middle of its sur¬ 
face or outside. 

109. What is meant by diameter ? 

The distance across or through the middle part of it. 

110. If you were to run a thread round the outside of an apple, the 
fength of it would be the extent of the circumference ; and if you were 

to cut the apple through the middle and measure 
it across the cut part, that would be the diameter. 

111. So great is the circumference of the earth, 
that if a man could travel without interruption 
from water, it would take him one thousand days, 
or three years, to come round to the place he 
started from, reckoning that he travelled twenty 
five miles every day. 

- 10 - 

112. What are the circles of the earth? 

The equator, the tropics, the polar circles, and the parallels 
and meridians. 

113. Are these circles alike in extent ? 

The equator and meridians only are of the same extent, 
and are called the great circles. 

114. What are the other circles? 

The Tropical and Polar circles, and the Parallels. These 
being smaller in extent than the former are called small 
circles. 

115. What is the Equator ? 

An imaginary great circle! extending east and west round 
the globe, and at an equal distance from each pole. 

On map of the World, No. 1, the Equator is the line that passes through 
die middle of both hemispheres. You will find the word equator near it. 

116. What is the distance of the Equator from the Poles ? 

It is 90 degrees, or about 6250 miles from the North Pole, 
and the same from the South Pole. 



* The exact size and figure of the earth are not yet known: further measurements on all 
parts of its surface are necessary to determine these points rigidly. 






GEOGRAPHICAL DEFINITIONS. 


23 


117. What are the Tropics ? 

They are two smaller circles run¬ 
ning like the Equator East and 
West. 

118. Where are they placed ? 

At the distance of 23£ degrees, or 

1637 miles, north and south from the 
equator. 

119. What are the names of the Tropics? 

The northern tropic is called the Tropic of Cancer, and the 

southern is called the Tropic of Capricorn. 

Point out on map of the World, No. 1., the Tropics of Cancer anc 
Capricorn. You will find them between the figures 20 and 30 that are 
printed on the edge of the map. 



Circles. 


11 


120. What are the Polar Circles ? 

Two small circles running east and west. 

121. Where are they placed? 

At the distance of 232 degrees from each Pole. • 

122. What are their names ? 

The Arctic Circle is the northern polar circle, and the Ant¬ 
arctic Circle is the southern polar circle. 

Point out on map of the World, No. 1, the Arctic and Antarctic 
circles. They are between the figures 60 and 70, which are engraved 
on the edge of the map. 




Parallels. Meridians. 

123. What are the Parallels ? 

Circles extending east and west. 
















24 


GEOGRAPHICAL DEFINITIONS. 


124. How are they represented on the Maps ? 

By lines crossing from side to side. 

125. What are the Meridians ? 

Circles extending from Pole to Pole through the Equator. 

126. How are they represented on the Maps ? 

By lines extending from the top to the bottom. 

Point out on map No. 1., the Parallels and Meridians. 

127. How are geographical circles divided ? 

A. Every circle is supposed to be divided into 360 degrees, 
and every degree into 60 geographical miles or minutes. 

128. What is the length of a degree of a great circle ? 

A. Sixty-nine and a quarter common miles. 

129. How will you find the number of miles in any given nurooet 
>f degrees ? 

A. By multiplying the degrees by 69*. 

— 12 -- 

LATITUDE. 

9 130. What is latitude? 

A. It is distance from the Equator either north or south. 

131. How is latitude divided? 

A. Into north and south latitude. All countries situated 
north of the Equator, are in north latitude; and those south 
of it, are in south latitude. 

132. How is latitude represented on maps ? 

A. By lines drawn across the map from side .o side. 
These are called parallels. 

133. How is latitude numbered ? 

A. The numbers are marked on the sides of the map, at 
ihe ends of the lines of latitude. 

134. How is latitude counted ? 

A. In degrees from the Equator towards the poles; from 1 
-o 90. 

135. How can you distinguish between north and south latitude 7 
A. If the numbers increase from the bottom towards the 




GEOGRAPHICAL DEFINITIONS. 


25 


top of the Map, it is North Latitude; but if they increase 
from the top towards the bottom, it is South Latitude. 

136. On Map of the World, No. 1, Eastern Hemisphere. In what 
latitude is Europe ? Ans. N. Le. 

137. In what latitude is Australia ? Ans. S. Le. 

138. In what latitude is Africa ? Ans. Partly in N. and partly in 
S, Le. 

139. In what latitude is Asia ? Ans. N. Le. 

140. On the Western Hemisphere. In what latitude is North 
America ? Ans. N. Le. 

141. In what latitude is South America ? Ans. N. Le. and S. Le. 

142. What latitude have places on the Equator ? 

A. They have no latitude, for latitude begins. on the 
Equator. 

143. What is the latitude at the Poles ? 

A. It is 90 degrees, which is the full extent to which lati¬ 
tude is carried. 

144. What is the meaning of the word latitude ? 

A. It means breadth; it was applied long ago to distances 
north and south, because the world was supposed to be much 
ess in extent in that direction than from east to west. 

145. Do the degrees of latitude vary in length ? 

A. They are nearly all alike, being about 69$ miles each. 

In consequence of the earth being flattened at the poles, the degrees 
of latitude increase slightly in extent in going either north or south 
hut 69$ miles is a fair average of their extent. 

-13- 

LONGITUDE. 

146. What is longitude ? 

A. It is distance east or west from an established meridian. 

147. How is longitude represented? 

A. By lines running from the top to the bottom of the map. 

148. How is it reckoned ? 

A. In degrees east and west; on our maps it is reckoned 
>om the meridians of Greenwich and Washington. 

149. How is it counted ? 

A. From the place of beginning, 180 degrees each way 

D 




26 


GEOGRAPHICAL DEFINITIONS. 


therefore the longitude of a place cannot be more than 180 
degrees east or west. 

150. How is it marked ? 

A. Generally in numbers on the top and bottom of the 
map, at the end of the meridians. 

On map of the world, No. 1, the longitude is marked on the Equator, 
n consequence of a want of room at the ends of the lines ; but on maps 
Nos. 3, 4, 5, 6, &c., it is marked at the top and bottom of the maps. 

151. How can you distinguish between east and west longitude ? 

A. If the numbers increase towards the right hand, it is 

east longitude; but if they increase towards the left hand, it 
is west longitude. 

152. Are the degrees of longitude of the same length as those of 
latitude ? 

A. On the Equator they are very nearly of the same length 
as those of latitude, but no where else. 

153. How do they differ from those of latitude ? 

A. They constantly decrease as we go either north or 
south from the equator towards the poles, where the meridians 
all meet, and the longitude ceases. 

-14- 

154. What is the meaning of the word longitude ? 

A. It signifies length. It was used for this purpose because 
formerly the earth was supposed to be much longer from East 
to West than from North to South. 

155. On some of the maps the longitude is marked on the top from 
Greenwich, and on the bottom from Washington, the difference being 
77 degrees. The same lines serve to express the longitude of both 
places, and are numbered accordingly. 

156. How do nations generally reckon longitude ? 

A. From the capital of their own country. 

157. We reckon ours from the city of Washington; the English from 
Greenwich ; the French from Paris ; and the Spaniard^ from Madrid 

158. On the Equator a degree of longitude is 69i miles in '°ngth; 
at 42 degrees of latitude it is only three-fourths of that extenc; at 60 
degrees it is one-half; at 75 degrees one quarter ; and at the poles it 
is nothing. 

159. Places on the Equator have no latitude, and those on the first 
meridian no longitude; therefore, at the point where 'he first meridian 
crosses the Equator, there is neither latitude nor longitude. 




GEOGRAPHICAL DEFINITIONS. 27 

160. What is the difference of longitude between Washington and 
Greenwich ? 

161. What is the length of a degree of longitude on the Equator ? 

162. What is it on the 42d degree of latitude? on the 60th degree? 
on the 75th degree ? and at the Poles ? 

163. Where is there no latitude ? 

164. Where is there no longitude ? 

On maps Nos. 1 and 25, you will find that the meridian marked 0, 
crosses the Equator in the Gulf of Guinea. In that spot, there is 
neither latitude nor longitude. 


-15- 

MAPS. 

165. What is a map? 

A. A picture of a part or the whole of the earth’s surface. 

166. What are a number of maps made into a book, called ? 

A. An Atlas. 

167. In what way are maps usually drawn? 

A. The top of the map is north, the bottom south, the righ 
hand s east, and the left hand west. • 

168. What is meant by North, South, East, and West? 

A. They are the four cardinal or principal points of the 
compass. 

169. What is a compass ? 

A. An instrument used by naviga¬ 
tors at sea, to point out their course. 

170. How does it point out their course ? 

A. The needle, or bar of the com¬ 
pass, always points to the n( rth. 

171. In what direction are North and 
South. 

A. The north is towards the North Pole, and the south is 
cowards the South Pole. 

172. In what direction does East and West lie ? 

A. East is towards that point where the sun rises, and 
West where he sets. 

173. If you stand with your face towards where the sun rises, the 





28 GEOGRAPHICAL DEFIwIlIONS. 

North will be on your left hand, the South on your right hand, and the 
West will be behind you. 



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A Map. 


- 16 - 

174. On maps, rivers are shown by black lines winding according 
to their course. 

175. Mountains are shown by lines which form a shade in the direc 
tion in which they extend. 

176. Cities and towns are shown by a black dot, and the capitals of 
countries by a large dot and eight smaller ones around it. 

177. The boundaries of countries are made by dotted lines. 

178. Sandy deserts and sand banks in the ocean, are shown by a 
great number of dots resembling sand. The ocean, or sea, is shaded 
by lines to separate it from the land. 

179. The latitude is shown by lines extending on the maps from side 

to side, and the longitude by lines running from the top to the bottom, 
except on map No. 2, of the world, w 1 ere the latitude is shown by cir¬ 
cular lines, extending in succession ft rther and farther from the centre, 
and longitude by straight lines extending from the centre to the cir¬ 
cumference. t 

180. Point out on map No. 4, of the Atlas, the Mississippi, the Mis¬ 
souri, the Rio Grande, and the Columbia rivers. 

181. Point out the Cities of Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Balti¬ 
more, New Orleans, Havanna, La Puebla, and Guanaxuato. 

182. Poin t out the capitals, Montreal, Washington, Mexico, St. Sal¬ 
vador, and 1 ort au Prince 




































geographical definitions. 2S 


183. Point out the boundary between the United States and Mexico 
between the United States and British America, and between British 
America and Russian America. 

184. Point out the great American Desert, the Sandy Desert in 
Mexico, and the Grand Bank of Newfoundland. 

185. Point out the Rocky Mountains, the Alleghany Mountains, the 
Snowy Range, and the Mexican Cordilleras. 


— 17 — 

ZONES. 


186. What are Zones ? 

A. Sections or divisions of the earth’s 
surface, formed by the tropics and the 
polar circles. 

187. What does the word Zone mean ? 

A. A belt or girdle, because it passes 
round the earth. 

188. How many Zones are there ? 



Zones. 


A. Five: one torrid, two temperate, and two frigid zones. 



TORRID ZONE. 


189. What part of the earth’s surface is occupied by the Torrid Zone ? 

A. The part which lies on both sides of the Equator and 

between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. 

190. What is the meaning of the word Torrid ? 

A. It means very hot, parched, or dried up. 














30 


GEOGRAPHICAL DEFINITIONS. 


191. What is the breadth of the Torrid Zone ? 

A. It is 3243 miles in breadth from North to South. 

192. Why is the Torrid Zone the hottest part of the earth ? 

A. Because it is more exposed to the heat of the sun than 
any other part of the earth. 

193. What are the seasons of the Torrid Zone ? 

A. Two; the wet and the dry. 

194. To which of our seasons do they correspond ? 

A. The wet season corresponds to our winter, and the dry 
to our summer. 

195. What is the climate of the Torrid Zone ? 

A. During some parts of the year it is delightful; but at 
other times the heat is very oppressive, and the earth is 

parched and dried up. 

* 

-18- 


196. To what is the Torrid Zone subject ? 

A. To the most violent storms of wind, which destroy 
almost every thing within their reach. 

197. To what else is the Torrid Zone subject? 

A. It is more subject to earthquakes than the other parts 
of the earth, and is also the seat of dangerous and deadly 
diseases. 

198. For what is the Torrid Zone remarkable? 

A. For the finest fruits, many of the most useful vegetable 
productions, and the largest and most ferocious animals. 

199. What are some of the principal fruits of the Torrid Zone? 

A. Oranges, lemons, pine-apples, cocoa-nuts, and th 

bread-fruit. 

200. What are some of the most useful vegetable productions ? 

A. Coffee, tea, sugar, indigo, cinnamon, cloves, nutmegs 

and pepper. 

201. Which are the i lost remarkable animals ? 

A. The elephant, rhinoceros, hippopotamus, camelopard, 
lion, and tiger., 

202. What are some of the other remarkable animals ? 

A. The ostrich and condor, with numerous birds of splendid 




GEOGRAPHICAL DEFINITIONS. 31 

plumage, and the largest and most venomous serpents and 
insects. 

203. What are the complexion and habits of the people of the Torrid 
Zone ? 

A. They are generally of a dark or black colour, and in¬ 
dolent and effeminate in their habits. 

204. What is their character ? 

A. They are but seldom distinguished for industry, enter¬ 
prise, or learning. 

-19- 



TEMPERATE ZONES. 


205. Where are the Temperate Zones situated ? 

A. Between the tropics and the polar circles. 

206. How are they distinguished from each other ? 

A. The one north of the equator is called the north tem¬ 
perate, and the one south of the equator the south temperate 
Zone. 

207. What does the word temperate mean when applied to climate 
A. Mild, moderate; neither too hot nor too cold. 

208. Where is the north temperate Zone situated ? 

A. Between the tropic of Cancer and the arctic circle. 

209. Where is the south temperate Zone situated ? 

A. Between the tropic of Capricorn and the antarctic circle 




















GEOGRAPHICAL DEFINITIONS. 


32* 

210. What is the breadth of the temperate Zones? 

A. They occupy a breadth of about 2970 miles each. 

211. What are the seasons of the temperate Zones ? 

A. They are four; Spring, Summer, Autumn or Fall, and 
Winter. 

212. What climate does the temperate Zones enjoy ? 

A. They enjoy a more equal and healthy climate than air/ 
©'..her parts of the earth. 

213. Do the temperate Zones equal the torrid Zone in the numbe 
of their vegetable productions ? 

A. The vegetable productions of the temperate Zones art 
neither so numerous nor luxuriant as those of the torrid Zone. 

214. What are the principal vegetable productions of the temperate 
Zones ? 

A. Corn, wheat, and rice, with apples, peaches, pears, 
olives, and figs. 

215. Are the animals of the temperate Zones like those of the torrid 
Zone? 

A. No: they are generally of smaller size, and are less 
numerous and ferocious. 

216. Of what kinds are the animals of the temperate Zones? 

A. Of the domestic and useful kinds mostly. 

217. What are some of the domestic animals? 

A. The horse, camel, ox, ass, mule, sheep, hog, and dog. 

218. What are some of the wild animals ? 

A. The bear, wolf, buffalo, elk, deer, and fox. 

219. What are the colour and character of the inhabitants of tl»* 
temperate Zones ? 

A. Those of the north temperate Zone in particular have 
white or fair complexions, and generally more strength of 
body and mind than the inhabitants of the other Zones. 

220. For what are they distinguished ? 

A. For industry, enterprise, and learning. 

221. What do they comprise ? 

A. The most civilized and improved portion of mankind. 

222. What Zone lies south of this country ? 

223. What Zone separates the north temperate and south temperate 
5ones from each other ? 

224. In what Zone do we live ? 


GEOGRAPHICAL DEFINITIONS, 


33 


20 



FRIGID ZONES. 


225. Where are the frigid Zones situated ? 

A. Between the polar circles and the poles. 

226. How are they distinguished ? 

A. The one north of the equator is called the north frigid 
Zone, and that south of the equator the south frigid Zone 

227. Where is the north frigid Zone situated ? 

A. Between the arctic circle and the North Pole. 

228. Where is the south fr.'gid Zone situated ? 

A. Between the antarctic circle and the South Pole. 

229. Why are the Zones about the poles called frigid ? 

A. Because the climate is excessively cold. 

230. Why is the climate of these Zones colder than that of other 
parts of the earth ? 

A. Because the rays of the sun are less direct, and impart 
a smaller degree of heat than in countries nearer the Equator. 

231. What are the Frigid Zones covered with? 

A. Chiefly with ice and snow. 

232. What are the seasons of the Frigid Zones ? 

A. The seasons are two; a long cold winter and a short 
simmer, without spring or autumn. 































34 


GEOGRAPHICAL DEFINITIONS. 


233. What fruits are found in the Frigid Zones ? 

A. Only a few small berries which grow in .hose parta 
nearest to the temperate Zones. 

234. What kind of animals live there ? 

A. None but the most hardy, as the White Bear, Musk 
Ox, Reindeer, &c. 

235. What are the number, stature, and colour of the inhabitants ? 

A. They are but few in number, of short stature, and have 

dark complexions. 

236. In what are they deficient ? 

A. In intelligence, being ignorant of reading, and writing, 
earning. 

- 21 - 

QUESTIONS ON THE DIFFERENT ZONES, 

(The first Map of the Atlas before the learner.) 

237. On map of the world, No. 1, Western Hemisphere, point out 
the countries that are in the Torrid Zone. 

A. They are part of Mo., # the whole of Ga., Ca., Ga. 
Pu., Bl. 

238. Point out the Islands in the Torrid Zone, beginning at the left 
hand side of the map. 

A. They are Sh., Me., Ns., Fy., Fe., N.-Ca., Sy., Gn. 
Ms., Gs., W.-Is., C. Ve. 

239. Point out the countries in the Torrid Zone, on the Map of the 
Eastern Hemisphere. 

A. They are part of the Gt.-Dt., the whole of Sa., Ga., 
L.-Ga., Sn., Ea., Zr., part of Aa., part of Hn., Sm., part of Ca. 

240. Point out the Islands in the Torrid Zone, in the Eastern Hemi¬ 
sphere, beginning at the left hand. 

A. They are S.-Ha., part of Mr., Ma., Cn., Sa., Ja., par 
of Fa., Hn., Pe., Le., Ce., Bo., Cs., Se., Tr., N.-Ga., N.-Id., 
N.-Bn., Le., part of Aa. 

241. Point out the countries in the North Temperate Zone, of th* 
Western Hemisphere. 

A. They are a part of Aa., part of N.-Bn., Lr., part of 
Gd., Ca., U.-Ss., part of Mo. 


* The letters Mo..Ga.,Ca.,&c., are the first and last letters of the names 
of those countries that the learner is required to pnint out on the map 





GEOGRAPHICAL DEFINITIONS. 


35 


242. Point out the islands. 

A. They are the An., Vs.,* Nd., As. 

243. Point out the countries in the North Temperate Zone of the 
Eastern Hemisphere. 

A. They are a part of Sa., Fe., Sn., By., part of the Gt.- 
Dt., Et., Aa., Iy., Ty., Pa., part of Aa., Ty., part of Hn., Tt., 
part of Ca. 

244. Point out the islands. 

A. They are Id., Bh.-Is., Sn., Jo., Nn., Ku., Lo., part 
of Fa. 

245. Point out the countries in the South Temperate Zone of the 
Western Hemisphere. 

A. They art Ci., Bs.-As., Pa. 

246. Point out the Islands. 

A. They are N.-Zd., Ce., Fd., Ta.-Fo., S.-Sd., S.-Oy., S.- 
Ld., part of Gs.-Ld. 

247. Point out the countries in the South Temperate Zone of the 
Eastern Hemisphere. 

A. They are Ce.-Cy., Ca. 

248. Point out the islands. 

A. They are Tn.-Aa., Mn., and Cs., Ks., part of Mr., part 
of Aa., Vn.-Ds.-Ld. 

249. The countries in the North Frigid Zone of the Western Hemi¬ 
sphere, are part of Aa., part of Nw.-Bn., part of Gd. 

250. The countries in the North Frigid Zone of the Eastern Hemi¬ 
sphere, are Ld., part of Aa., with the islands Sn., Na., Za., N.-Sa. 

251. The only land in the South Frigid Zone of the Western Hemi. 
sphere, is a part of Gs.-Ld., Va.-Ld.; and in the Sou^r Frigid Zone ol 
the Eastern Hemisphere there is Es.-Ld. and the Ac.-Ct. 

In what Zone does the United States lie ? N. Te. 

What Zone contains the largest animals ? Td. 

Which Zones contain the most useful animals ? Te. 

Which Zones produce the most hardy animals ? Fd. 

Which Zone is most subject to violent storms of wind ? Td. 

In which Zone are the people the most industrious ? N. Te. 

Which Zone is the most subject to earthquakes ? Td, 

In which Zones is the climate most healthy ? Te. 

Which of the Temperate Zones contains the most powerful and 
civilized nations ? N. Te. 


* The proper name of this island is Quadra and Vancouver's, but it is usually called 
Vancouver’s only 



36 


GEOGRAPHICAL DEFINITIONS. 


- 22 - 

POLITICAL DIVISIONS. 

252. The inhabited parts of the earth have been from very early 
times divided into Empires, Kingdoms, Republics, and States, of 
various kinds. 

253. What is an Empire ? 

A. A state composed of several countries governed by an 
Emperor. 

254. How are Empires sometimes composed ? 

A. Of countries immediately joining each other, which 
form a compact body; as the Empire of Austria. 

255. What do other Empires comprise ? 

A. Territories separated by vast oceans, and situated in 
distant parts of the earth, as the British Empire. 

256. What is a kingdom ? 

A. A country governed by a king, as France, Spain, &c. 



Palace at Versailles. 


257. What are Palaces ? 

A. Buildings inhabited by Emperors or Kings. They are 
generally of great extent, and cost vast sums of money. 

258. What is a Republic ? 

A. A country whose laws are made by representatives 
chosen by the people; as the United States, &c. 

259 How are Empires, Kingdoms, Republics, &c. subdivided ? 

A. Into governments, as in Russia; departments, as in 
France; cantons, as in Switzerland; provinces, as in Spain 
and Portugal; and states, as in the United States, Mexico, &c. 

260. What are the subdivisions of the various states which form our 
Republic ? 

A. Into counties, except in South Carolina, where they are 















geographical definitions. 37 

tailed districts, and in Louisiana, where they are called 
parishes. 

261. How are counties subdivided ? 

A. Into towns in New England, and into townships in the 
Middle and some of the Western States. 



City of St. Petersburg. 


262. What is a City ? 

A large collection of houses and inhabitants. 

Cities differ greatly in extent; some have no more than 3000 or 
4000 inhabitants, while others, such as New York, &c., have a hundred 
times more. 

263. In what way is a city particularly distinguished from a town ? 
A. By being incorporated with peculiar privileges, and in 

being governed by a Mayor, Aldermen, &c. 

264. What is a town, and a village ? 

A town is a collection of houses and inhabitants, smallei 
than a city. A village is smaller than a town. 

-23- 


265. What is a township ? 

A. A tract of country generally divided into farms, and 
ften containing towns, villages, and even cities, within its 
mits. 

266. What is a county ? 

A. A division belonging to a State, comprising in man} 
cases a large extent of country. 

267. What does a county contain ? 

A.. Nearly every county in the United States contains a 
county town, and Court-house. 












38 


GEOGRAPHICAL DEFINITIONS. 


268. What is done there ? 

A. Courts of justice are held there, and those who break 
the laws are tried and punished. 

269. What is the capital of a State ? 

A. The city or town chosen for the meeting of the State 
Legislature. 

270 What do the capitals of States usually contain ? 

A. The State House, State Prison, Governor’s residence, 
and other offices connected with the government of the State. 

271. In some states, the most important place in it is chosen for the 
capital, without any regard to its position, as Boston, in Massachusetts 
In most instances, however, a central position is adopted. 

272. What is the State House ? 

A. The building where the Legislature of th° State meets. 

273. What is the Legislature of a State? 

A. A body composed of men who have power to make laws. 

274. Who is the Governor of a State ? 

A. The person who executes the laws of the State. 

275. What is the capital of the United States ? 

A. The city of Washington, the place adopted by the 
American people for the annual meeting of the National 
Congress. 

276. After whom was it named? 

A. General Washington. 

277. What is the National Congress ? . 

A. An assembly composed of the Representatives elected 
by the people. 

278. For what length of time are the Representatives elected by the 
people. 

A. The members of the Senate are elected for six yea 
and those of the House of Representatives for two. 

-24- 

279. What two bodies does Congress comprise ? 

A. The Senate and the House of Representatives. 

280. What are the duties of Congress ? 

A. To make the laws by which the nation is governed. 




GEOGRAPHICAL DEFINITIONS. 


39 

281. In what building in the city of Washington does Congress 
hold its meetings ? 

In the Capitol, which is one of the finest edifices in 
America. 



Capitol at Washington. 


282. Who execu' ^3 the laws passed by Congress ? 

A. The President, with'the aid of the other officers of 
government. 

283. Who is the President of the United States ? 

A. The chief magistrate, or head of the government, 

284. By whom is he chosen to that office ? 

A. The people of the United States. 

285. During what period does he hold his office ? 

A. He holds his office during the term of four years. 

286. What forms the American nation ? 

A. The whole of the people of the United States. 

287. The word nation signifies a distinct body of people living 
nder one government. 

288. What is a Country ? 

A. A large tract of land, a region, one’s native soil. 

289. What are the boundaries of a country ? 

A. Those parts of land and water which lie next to the 
line which separates it from another country. 

290. What is the interior of a country ? 

A. The central or inland parts. 





















40 


GEOGRAPHICAL DEFINITIONS. 


29.1. What is the frontier of a country? 

A. Those parts which lie near the border or boundary, the 
outside portions. 

292. Thus we say, the Northern frontier, the Southern frontier, &c- 
according as the parts are situated to the North, South, East, or West 

293. What are the maritime parts of a country ? 

A. Those parts which border on the sea coast. 



Asiatic. Malay. European. African. American. 


-25- 

RACES OF MEN. 

294. Man is the most perfect of the works of God, being created in 
his own image, and formed by his wisdom, to subdue and exercise 
dominion over all the earth. 

295. From whom has the whole human race descended? 

A. From our first parents, Adam and Eve. 

296. What does the human race present? 

A. Several varieties, differing greatly from each other in 
colour, form, and features. 

297. What is the cause of the varieties in the ham an race? 

A. It is probably owing to a difference in climate, food, and 
mode of life, and no doubt partly to causes which we do no^ 
understand. 

298. What are the various races of mankind f 











GEOGRAPHICAL DEFINITIONS. 41 

A. They are five, the European or Caucasian, Asiatic or 
Mongolian, American, Malay, and African or negro. 

299. How may they be classed in regard to their colour ? 

A. Into the White, Yellow, Red, Brown, and Black races. 

300. What nations does the European or White race include ? 

A. The nations of Europe, Western Asia, the North of 
Africa, with all the white inhabitants of America and other 
regions. 

301. What nations does the Asiatic or Yellow race include ? 

A. All the nations of Asia east of the Ganges river, (ex¬ 
cepting the Malays of Malacca.) 

302. What other nations belong to this race ? 

A. The Finns and Laplanders of Europe, and the Esqui¬ 
maux of America, also belong to the Asiatic race. 

303. What part of the earth does the American or copper-coloured 
race inhabit ? 

A. The whole of the American continent, except those 
parts occupied by the descendants of Europeans, with the 
Esquimaux and Negroes. 

304. What nations does the Malay or Brown race include ? 

A. The people of Malacca and Malaysia, with those of 
Polynesia and New Zealand. 

305. What part of the earth does the African or Black race inhabit ? 

A. All Western, Central, and Southern Africa, with a 

considerable part of Madagascar and Australasia. 

306. A large number of this race are found in both North and 
South America, where they are chiefly in a state of slavery. 

307. The European or Caucasian is the most noble of the five races 
of men. It excels all others in learning and the arts, and includes the 
most powerful nations of ancient and modern times. The most valua¬ 
ble institutions of society, and the most important and useful inven 
tions have originated with the people of this race. 

Whicli is the most noble of the five races of men ? 

In what does it excel all others ? 

What does it include ? 

What has originated with the people of this race ? 

To which of the races of men do the greater part of the people o ( 
he United States belong ? 

To which race do you belong 7 

F 


42 


GEOGRAPHICAL DEFINITIONS. 


--26- 

STAGES OF SOCIETY. 

308. Nations live in various stages of society, and their condition 
is found to depend materially on the progress they have made in know¬ 
ledge, learning, and refinement, and in their skill in the mechanic arts. 

309. How may nations be divided according to their habits of life 
and state of improvement ? 

A. Into five classes, viz : savage, barbarous, half-civilized, 
civilized, and enlightened. 

310. How do men live in the savage state ? 

A. By hunting, fishing, and on the spontaneous produc¬ 
tions of the ground. They are generally clad in the skins of 
wild animals, and reside in miserable huts, or dens, and caves 
in the earth. 

311. What is the general character of savage nations? 

A. They are bloodthirsty and revengeful, often eat the 

flesh of the enemies they take in war, and treat their women 
as slaves. 

312. What de¬ 
gree of know¬ 
ledge do they 
possess ? 

They pos¬ 
sess little or no 
knowledge of 
agriculture, or 
the mechanic 

Habitations of the Karatschatdales. arts, and are 

ignorant of reading, writing, and a regular form of govern 
ment. 

313. What nations are examples of this class ? 

A. The nations of Australia, or New Holland, and New 
Guinea, most of the Indian tribes of North and South 
America, and the Kamtschatdales or people of Kamtschatka. 

314. In what manner do barbarous nations live ? 

A. By agriculture and the pasturage, of cattle, sheep, &c 

315. They understand a few of the most simple arts, and are ac 
• quaintea with reading and writing only to a very limited extent. 





GEOGRAPHICAL DEFINITIONS. 


43 


316. What nations are examples of this class? 

A. The roving tribes of Tartary, Arabia, Central Africa, 
and the people of Abyssinia. 


-27- 

317. How are the half-civilized nations distinguished? 

A. They understand agriculture and many of the arts 
tolerably well, have written languages, with some knowledge 
of learning and books. 

318. They have also established laws and religion, some little foreign 
commerce, but are very jealous of strangers, and treat their women 
generally as slaves. 

319. What nations may be considered as belonging to the half, 
civilized class ? 

A. China, Japan, Burmah, Siam, Turkey, Persia, &c. 

320. How are civilized nations distinguished ? 

A. The arts and sciences are well understood, and the* 
inhabitants derive their subsistence principally from agricul¬ 
ture, manufactures, and commerce. 

321. What is the condition of the great body of the people in some 
civilized states ? 

A. They are very ignorant and superstitious, and there is 
likewise a vast difference between the condition of the upper 
and lower classes of society. 

322. What countries rank among the civilized nations ? 

A. Russia, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Mexico, &c. 

323. What is the character of enlightened nations ? 

A. They are noted for the intelligence, enterprise, ana 
industry of their inhabitants; among them also the arts and 
sciences are carried to a high state of perfection. 

324. How are they otherwise noted ? 

A. Females are treated with politeness and respect, the 
principles of free government are well understood, and edu¬ 
cation and learning are more general than among other nations. 

325. What nations belong to this class ? 

A. The United States, Great Britain, France, Switzerland, 
and some of the German States. 




44 


GEOGRAPHICAL DEFINITIONS. 



Waterloo Bridge- 


326. Enlightened and civilized nations are distinguished by the 
number and variety of their public buildings, and works of national 
utility; of these, colleges, hospitals, libraries, bridges, canals, rail-roads, 
&c., are amongst the most prominent. 

- 28 - 

GOVERNMENT. 

327. In every part of the earth it has been found necessary to have 
some system of government, or some power or authority, that shall 
protect thevgood and punish the wicked. 

328. Without government, no one could be secure cither in his per¬ 
son or property, and the world would be a scene of confusion and 
bloodshed. 

329. What is government ? 

A. The power or system by which the laws of a country 
are made and executed. 

330. What is the object of government ? 

A. To afford protection to life and property, and ensure 
the happiness of the people. 

331. What are the different kinds of government? 

A. Three; Monarchy, Aristocracy, and Democracy. 

^ 332. What is Monarchy ? 

A. That form of government in which an Emperor or 
King rules during his life. Emperors, Kings, &c. are also 
called Sovereigns. 

333. What are the forms of Monarchy ? 

A. Two; absolute and limited Monarchy. 

334. What is an absolute Monarchy ? 

A. Where the monarch governs according to his own will. 










GEOGRAPHICAL DEFINITIONS. 


45 



335. What countries are 
ruled in this manner ? 

A. China, Turkey, 
Persia, and generally 
all the states of Asia 
and Africa. 


336. Some countries are 
ruled by tyrants, who use 
their people with great cru¬ 
elty, and in consequence 
are afraid to go abroad 
without being surrounded 
by soldiers. 

337. The picture repre¬ 
sents the Emperor of Mo¬ 
rocco, who is one of the 
most despotic sovereigns 
in existence. When he 

appears in publL, every _ , „ 

one he meets must fall Emperor of Morocco. 

with their faces to the earth, and there remain until the despot has 
passed. * 


338. What is a limited monarchy ? 

A. Where the power of the monarch is limited by a con¬ 
stitution. 


339. What states are ruled by a limited monarchy ? 

A. Great Britain, France, Sweden, &c. 


29 


340. What is an aristocracy ? 

A. A government where the power is vested in a few per¬ 
sons called nobles. 

This does not at present exist as a distinct form of government, but 
is frequently found combined with others. 

341. How is aristocracy frequently found combined ? 

A. With monarchy and democracy. 

342. This is the case in Great Britain and other limited monarchicH. 
The king represents the monarchy, the nobles the aristocracy, and the 
representative body the democracy. 

343. What is a Democracy ? 

A. A free government, in which the people choose their 
own rulers for stated periods of time. 












16 


GEOGRAPHICAL DEFINITIONS. 


344. What states have democratic governments ? 

A. The United States, Mexico, and all the Spanish Ame¬ 
rican States. 

345. What was the first kind of government ? 

A. The Patriarchal, in which every father or patriarch 
rules his own family or servants. 

346. Does this kind of government still exist ? 

A. Yes; but it is found only amongst rude and barbarou 
tribes. 

347. What tribes are governed in this manner ? 

A. The Bedouins of Arabia and the Great Desert, the Lap 
landers, and some others. 

348. How did Patriarchs become chiefs ? 

A. In process of time families increased in numbers, and 
patriarchs became chiefs and rulers. 

349. How did chiefs, &c., become monarchs ? 

A. Some chiefs being ambitious and powerful, conquered 
others, and became monarchs of empires, kingdoms, &c. 

350. What titles do rulers assume in different parts of the world ? 

A. In Asia, they are called Nabobs, Sultans, Shahs, Ra¬ 
jahs, Imams, Khans, &c. 

351. What are they called in Europe ? 

A. Emperors, Kings, Princes, Dukes, Electors, &c. 

352. What are they called in America ? 

A. In America the chief magistrate of the different repub¬ 
lics takes the name of President. 

-30- 

RELIGION. 

353. All races of men, even the most savage, appear to believe in 
the existence of some invisible being possessed of power superior to 
man. The various methods in which this faith is manifested, foim so 
many different modes of religion, and exhibit one of the most strikhig 
diversities by which nations are distinguished from each other. 

354. How may the different forms of religion be divided ? 

A. Into true and false. 




GEOGRAPHICAL DEFINITIONS. 


47 


355. In what does true religion consist ? 

A. In worshipping God, according to his revealed will. 

356. In what does false religion consist ? 

A. In the worship of idols, and the rejection of the true 
God. 

357. What are the principal systems of religion ? 

A. The Christian, Mahomedan, Pagan, and Jewish. 

358. Who are Christians ? 

A. Those who believe in Christ, as the Saviour of manb id. 



A Christian Church. 


359. Into what churches are Christians divided ? 

A. Three: Catholic, Greek, and Protestant. 

360. In what do these agree ? 

A. In the necessity of redemption through the Saviour. 

361. In what do they differ? 

A. In points of doctrine, and modes of worship. 

362. How are Protestants divided ? 

A. Into various sects; of which the chief are Episcopa- 
ians, Lutherans, Presbyterians, Baptists, Methodists, Frienus 
&c. 

363. Who are Mahomedans, or Mussulmans ? 

A. Those who believe m Mahomed, a religious imposter 
who lived in Arabia, about 600 years after Christ. 

364. How arc Mahomedans divided ? 

A. Into two sects: the sect of Ali, and the sect of Omai. 



48 


GEOGRAPHICAL DEFINITIONS. 



A Manomedan Mosque. 


-31- 

365. Who are Pagans or Heathens ? 

A. Those who believe in false Gods, and who ’worship 
idols, beasts, birds, serpents, &c. 

366. They comprise several classes, such as Bramins, Buddhists, 
worshippers of the Grand Lama, &c., and number more than one half 
the inhabitants of the earth. 



A Pagan Temple. 


367. Who are the Jews ? 

A. They are those who believe in the Old Testament, but 
reject the new, and expect a Saviour yet to come. 

368. The Christian nations are much superior in knowledge and 
power to a 1 ! others, and through the increase of their colonies, tlie in¬ 
fluence of the press, and the exertions of the Missionaries, w T ill no 
doubt, in the course of a few generations, spread their rcbgior over the 
vreaier part of the earth. 


















GEOGRAPHICAL DEFINITIONS. 


49 


369. The importance attached by mankind, in all quarters of the 
world, to the worship of the Deity, is most strikingly displayed by the 
numbers of costly and splendid edifices erected for religious purposes. 

What nations are superior in knowledge and power to all others ? 

What will cause their religion to be spread over the greater part of 
the earth? 

To what do mankind, in all quarters of the w r orld, attach importance 

How is it most strikingly displayed? 

370. These are called among Christians, churches, cathedrals, and 
chapels; amongst the Mahomedans, they take the name of Mosquet; 
and among the Pagan Hindoos, they are termed Pagodas. 

- 32 - 

LANGUAGES. 

371. The diversities of language form one of the most striking 
points of distinction between the various nations of the earth, and theii 
arrangement into a general system constitutes an important branch of 
geography. The languages of cultivated nations are both written and 
spoken; while those of savage and barbarous races are merely verbal, 
and are not reduced to writing. 

372. The number of original languages in the world, is about 80, 
but the various dialects or branches de ived from them, amounts to 
upwards of 3000, of which more than 1200 are American, and about 
550 European. In Asia and Oceanica, there are nearly 1000, and in 
Africa, 276. 

How many original languages are there in the world ? 

How many branches or dialects are derived from them ? 

How many of these are American ? 

How many are European ? 

How many are there in Asia and Oceanica ? 

How many are there in Africa ? 

373. The Chinese language is spoken by the greatest number of 
people, but the English is the most widely spread, and will probably 
become more general than any other. It is now spoken in every 
quarter of the globe, and is distinguished for its simplicity, conei.se* 
ness, and strength. 

374. The number of books printed in the English is, probably 
greater than in any other language; and the influence of English 
literature is more extensive than any other existing. 

What language is spoken by the greatest number of people ? 

Which is the most widely spread ? Where is it spoken ? 

For what is it distinguished ? 

In what language is it probable that the greatest number of booko 
is printed ? 

Q 




50 


GEOGRAPHICAL EXERCISES. 


-33- 

EXERCISES ON THE MAPS. 

MAP OF THE WORLD, No. 1, BEFORE THE LEARNER. 
Of what Hemispheres does this Map consist ? En. and Wn. 

What does the Eastern Hemisphere comprise ? 

A. All that part of the earth lying east of longitude 20 
degrees west from Greenwich. 

Hemisphere signifies half a globe. 

What great divisions does the Eastern Hemisphere contain ? Ee M 
Aa., Aa. 

These divisions form the Eastern Continent, or Old World. 

What does the Western Continent comprise ? 

A. All that part of the earth lying west of longitude 20 
degrees west from Greenwich. 

What great divisions does the Western Hemisphere contain ? N. 
Aa., S.-Aa. 

These divisions form the Western Continent, or the New World. 
What is a Continent ? Refer to No. 53, page 14. 

What great division lies partly in the Eastern and partly in the 
Western Hemisphere ? Oa. 

This division is composed entirely of islands. 

Which Hemisphere contains the greatest amount of land ? En. 
Which Hemisphere contains the greatest amount of water? Wn. 
Which Hemisphere contains the largest islands ? En. 

Which is the largest island in the world ? Aa. 

Which are the two next largest ? Bo., N.-Ga. 

Which is the largest division of the Eastern Hemisphere ? Aa, 
Which is the smallest division ? Ec. 

Which division of the Eastern Hemisphere extends farthest south ? 
A a. 

Which extends farthest to the north ? Aa. 

Which extends farthest south, Europe or Asia ? Aa, 

Which extends farthest west ? Aa. 

Which extends farthest east ? Aa. 

-34- 

Which is the most southern land in the Eastern Hemisphere ? Es*- 
Ld., Ac.-Ct. 

The most southern in the Western Hemisphere ? Va.-Ld., Gs.-Ld. 
What is an Ocean ? 






GEOGRAPHICAL EXERCISES. 


51 


A. A vast body of salt water. 

What five Oceans in the Eastern Hemisphere? Nn., Sn., Pc., 
Ac., In. 

What four Oceans in the Western Hemisphere ? Nn., Sn., Pc., Ac. 

There arc five Oceans, of which four extend into both Hemispheres. 
The Indian is the only Ocean that is wholly in one Hemisphere. 

Which is the largest Ocean ? Pc. 

Whi ch is the second in extent ? Ac. 

Which is the third in extent ? In. 

Which is the fourth in extent ? Sn. or Antarctic. 

Which is the fifth in extent? Nn. or Arctic. 

Which is the largest division of the Western Hemisphere? N.- 
Aa. 

Which extends farthest East ? S.-A. 

Which extends farthest West ? N.-A. 

Is North America in North or South Latitude ? N.-Le. 

Why is it in North Latitude ? 

Is South America mostly in North or in South Latitude ? S.-Le. 
Why is it mostly in South Latitude ? 

In what direction does South America lie from North America ? S. 
What regions lie south and south-east of South America ? S.-Sd., 

S.-Oy., S.-Ld., G.-Ld. 

What region lies south-west of South America? Va.-Ld. 

- 35 - 

MAP OF THE WORLD, NO. 2. 

What Hemispheres docs this map comprise ? Nn. and Sn. 

Which Hemisphere contains the greatest quantity of land? Nn. 
Which Hcmispltf re contains the greatest quantity of water ? Sn. 
What great divisions are wholly in the Northern Hemisphere ? Aa., 
Fc., N.-A. 

What great divisions are partly in the Northern Hemiso. lore ? Aju, 
S.-Aa., Oa. 

What does the Northern Hemisphere comprise ? 

A. All that part of the earth north of the Equator. 

What does the Southern Hemisphere comprise ? 

A. All that part of the earth south of the Equator. 

What great divisions are partly in the Southern Hemisphere ? Aa., 
S.-Sa., Oa. 




GEOGRAPHICAL EXERCISES. 


52 

What four regions lie nearest the North Pole? N.-Sa., N.-Za., 
Sn., Gd. 

Nearest the South Pole ? Va.-Ld., Ac.-Ct., Gs.-Ld., Es.-Ld. 

The Antarctic Continent was discovered in 1840 by the United 
States Exploring Expedition, commanded by Lieutenant Wilkes; it is 
the most extensive region yet known south of the great continents.— 
See Map No. 3. 

What navigator has sailed nearest the South Pole? 

A.' Captain James C. Ross, in 1840. 

What other navigator sailed nearly as far south ? 

A. Captain James Weddel, in 1823. 

Captain Ross sailed within 830 miles of the South Pole. Som® 
navigators have gone still nearer to the North Pole: Captain Parry 
went within 500 miles of it, but was stopped by the ice from approach¬ 
ing closer. He found the sea, even in the middle of summer, covered 
with ice, and no signs of either birds or beasts were to he seen. 

- 36 - 

MAP NO. 4.—NORTH AMERICA. 

What Ocean bounds North America on the East ? Ac. 

What Ocean bounds it on the West? Pc. 

What Ocean bounds it on the North ? Ac. 

An Ocean is a vast body of salt water. 

What Sea is north of British and Russian America ? Pr. 

What Sea between the West Indies and South America? Cn. 

Tell what a Sea is. Refer to Question 22, page 9. 

What great Gulf lies east of Mexico ? Mo. 

What Gulf between Mexico and California ? Ca. 

What Gulf west of Newfoundland ? S.-Le. 

What Gulf south-east of Boothia Felix ? Ba. ^ 

What great Bay separates Pr. William’s Land from Greenland ? Bs 
What great Bay is south-west of Prince William’s Land ? IIs. 
What Lay south of Hudson’s Bay ? Js. 

What Bay between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick ? Fy. 

What two Bays on the east coast of the United States ? He., Os. 
What Bay east of Yucatan ? IIs. 

What Bay west of Yucatan ? Ce. 

What Bay east of Guatimala ? Ga. 

What Bay west of Alaska ? Bl. 

Describe a Bay. 24 





GEOGRAPHICAL EXERCISES. 


53 


W hat Strait between America and Asia ? Bs. 

What Strait west of Greenland ? Ds. 

What docs it connect ? B.-By. and the A.-O.n. 

What three Straits north of Labrador ? Hs., Fs., Cd 
What Strait separates Newfoundland from Labrador ? Be. 

What is a Strait ? 25. 

What two Sounds in Baffin’s Bay ? Ss., Ls 
What Sound on the east coast of Greenland ? Ds. 

What two Sounds in Russian America? Nn., P.-Ws. 

What Sound between Washington or Queen Charlotte’s and Quadra 
and Vancouver’s Island ? Q.-Cs. 

\yhat Sound north of Cape Hatteras ? Ae. 

Describe a Sound. 2G. 

What five Lakes are in the northern part of the United States ? Sr., 
Mn., Hn., Ee., Oo. 

What river do they all flow into ? S.-Le. 

Name the principal Lakes in British America ? Wg., Aa., G.-Se., 
G.-Br. 

What Lake in the northern part of California ? G. S. L. 

What Lake is in the southern part of Guatimala? Na. 

Tell what a Lake is. 29. 


- 37 - 

What River flows into the Polar Sea? Ms. 

Name the two chief Rivers that flow into Hudson’s Bay. Nn., Cl. 
What River of the United States flows into the Pacific Ocean ?. Ca 
What River flows into the Gulf of California ? Co. 

Which two large Rivers flow into the Gulf of Mexico ? Mi., Ne. 
What River flows into the Gulf of St. Lawrence ? S.-Le. 

What River flows into the Gulf of Georgia? Fs. 

What River flows into Ungava Bay ? Kh. 

What River flows from Lake Chapala ? Ge. 

What River flows from Lake Nicaragua ? S.-Jn. 

Describe a River. 34. 

How are Rivers shown on Maps ? 174. 

What Feninsula is in the south part of Russian America 7 Aa. 
What Peninsula north <^f Hudson’s Bay ? Me. 

What Peninsula in the southern part of British America ? N. Sa. 







GEOGRAPHICAL EXERCISES. 


What Peninsula in the southern part of the United States ? Fa. 
What Peninsula in the western part of Mexico ? Ca. 

What Peninsula in the eastern part of Mexico ? Yn. 

What is a Peninsula ? 54. 

What Island lies east of Greenland ? Id. 

What Island west of Greenland ? Do. 

What Island in Hudson Bay ? Sn. • 

What Islands in the Gulf of St. Lawrence? Nd., Ai., C.-Bn., P.-Es 
What Islands east of Savannah ? Bs. 

What Islands south-east from Florida ? Ba. 

What Islands between North and South America ? W.-Is. 

Which are the four largest of the West India Islands ? Ca., ^li., 
la., P.-Ro. 

These are called the Great Antilles. 

Which are the two chief Islands on the west coast of British Ame¬ 
rica? Qu. and Vs., and Wn. or Q. Ce. 

Tell what Islands are. 56. 


Which is the most western Cape of North America? P.-Ws. 
Which is the most eastern Cape ? Re. 

Which is the most southern Cape ? Ga. 

Which is the most southern Cape of Greenland ? FI. 

What three Capes on the east coast of the United States ? Cd M 
Hs., Cl. 

Which is the most southern Cape of the United States ? Se. 

The most southern Cape of California ? Ls. 

The most eastern Cape of Guatimala ? G.-Ds. 

What is a Cape ? 57. 

-38- 

What Mountains extend through the whole of North America ? Ry 
What are they called 'n Mexico? M. Cs. 

What Mis. extend along the W. coast of U. California ? C. R. and S. N 
What Mountains extend through the eastern part of the United 
States ? Ay. 

What two Mountains are in the southern part of Russian America? 
S.-Es., Fr. 

What two Mountains are in the western part of British America ? 
Bn., Hr. 

What ie> a Mountain ? 59. 






GEOGRAPHICAL EXERCISES. 


55 


What Highlands are in the northern part of Greenland ? A.-Hs. 
Mountains and Hills are oflen called Highlands. 

What three Peaks are in the western part of the United States? Fs., 
Ls., Ps. 

Fremont’s Peak is named after Captain Fremont of the United 
States Army. In the year 1842 that officer ascended to its summit, 
and ascertained its height. 

Mountains that are higher than those around them are sometimes 
called Peaks. 

What Peaks are in the northern part of Mexico ? Sh. 

What Volcano is in the southern part of Mexico? PI. 

What two Volcanoes are in Guatimala? Wr., Ca. 

What is a Volcano ? 62. 

What Desert lies in the western part of the United States ? G.-An. 
What Desert lies west of the Colorado river ? Sy. 

What is a Desert ? 70. 

Which is the most western division of North America ? R.-Aa. 
This is called Russian America because it belongs to Russia. 
Which is the most eastern division of North America ? Gd. 

This is sometimes called Danish America because it belongs to 
Denmark. 

Which is the largest division in the North ? B.-Aa. 

This is called British America because it belongs to Great Britain. 
Which is the largest division in the Centre ? U.-S. 

Which is the largest division in the South ? Mo. 

Which division lies south of Mexico ? Ga. 

This division is likewise called Central America. 

What small division lies north of Guatimala ? Be. 

What great Archipelago lies east of Mexico and Guatimala ? W.-Is. 
What is an Archipelago ? 23. 

What is the capital of British America ? Ml. 

What is the capital of the United States ? Wn. 

What is the capital of Mexico ? Mo. 

What is the capital of Guatimala? S.-Sr. 

What part of North America is crossed by the Tropic of Cancer ? Mo. 
What parts are crossed by the Arctic Circle ? Gd., B.-Aa., R.-Aa. 
In what Zone is the middle part of North America? N.-Te. 

In what Zone is the southern part ? Td. 

In what Zone is the northern part? N.-F. 






56 


GEOGRAPHICAL EXERCISES. 


What countries of North America are in the North Frigid Zone 7 
Gd, B.-Aa., R.-Aa. 

What countries are in the North Temperate Zone ? B.-Aa., U.-S., 

Mo. 

What countries are in the Torrid Zone ? Mo., Ga., W.-Is. 

In what Zone is the largest part of North America ? N.-Te. 

-39- 

MAP NO. 5.—UNITED STATES. 

What country bounds the United States on the North ? B.-Aa. 
What Ocean bounds it on the East ? Ac.-On. 

What Ocean bounds it on the West? P.-On. 

What Gulf bounds it on the South ? Mo. 

What Gulf separates Quadra and Vancouver’s I. from Oregon? Ga. 
What Republic lies south-west of the United States ? Mo. 

What five great Lakes are in the northern part of the United States ? 
Sr., Hn., Mn., Ee., Oo. 

What is the name of the eastern part of Lake Huron ? Me. 

What Lake lies east of Lake Ontario ? Cn. 

What Lake lies north-west of Lake Superior ? Ws. 

What great River extends through the middle of the U. States ? Mi. 
Which are its three great western branches ? Mi., As., Rd. 

Which is its principal eastern branch ? Oo. 

Into what Gulf does the Mississippi flow ? Mo. 

What River with two names in the western part of the United 
States ? On. or Ca. 

What are its two principal branches ? Ls., Cs. 

What three Rivers flow into the Atlantic Ocean north of Cape Cod ? 
Pt. Kk., Mk. 

What three between Cape Cod and Cape Charles ? Ct., Hn., De. 
What three flow into Chesapeake Bay ? Sa., Pc., Js. 

What River flows into Albemarle Sound ? Re. 

What two flow into Pamlico Sound ? Tr., Ne. 

What seven Rivers flow into the Atlantic between Cape Lookout 
and Cape'Cannaveral ? C.-Fr., G.-Pe., Sc., Sh., Aa., S.-Ms., S.-Js. 

What three Rivers flow into the Gulf of Mexico east of the mouth 
of the Mississippi? PI.,’Pa., Aa. 

-40-— 

There are eight Capes on the Atlantic coast of the United States. 







GEOGRAPHICAL EXERCISES. 


57 


What are they ? Cd., Mr., Cs., Hy., Hs., Lt., Fr., Cl. 

What two Capes are on the west side of Florida ? Rs., Se. 

What Cape west of Apalachee Bay ? S.-Bs. 

What four Capes are on the Pacific coast of the United States ? Fy.. 
Fr., Od., Mo. 

What Bays between Cape Cod and C. Hatteras ? N.-Y., De., Ce. 
What four Bays are on the west coast of Florida ? Cm., Ta., Vr., Ae. 
What three Bays between Cape St. Bla* and the mouths of the Mis¬ 
sissippi River ? Pa., Me., Bk. 

What Bays on the coast of Texas ? Gn., Ma., E.-S., Ns. 

What Sounds between Cape Lookout and C. Cod ? Po., Ae., L.-Id. 
What Sound on the coast of Quadra and Vancouver’s Island? Na. 

What Island is there on the coast of Maine ? M.-Dt. 

What two Islands lie south of Massachusetts? Nt., M.-Vd. 

What Island lies south of Rhode Island ? Bk. 

What Island lies south of Connecticut ? L.-Id.. 

What Islands lie south of Florida ? F.-Rs. and T.-Is. 

Reefs signify low^sandy islands. 

What Island is separated from Oregon Territory by the Gulf of 
Georgia ? Qa. and Vs. 

What range of Mountains is in the western part of the United 
States ? Ry. 

What range near the coast of the Pacific ? Ce. 

What three ranges of Mountains are in the eastern part of the 
United States ? Cd., Ay., B.-Re. 

These three ranges are called sometimes the Apalachian Mountains. 
In what State is the Black Mountain ? N.-Ca. 

This is the highest mountain in the eastern part of the United States. 
What Mountains are in Pennsylvania and New Jersey ? Be. 

What Mountains are in Vermont and New Hampshire ? Gn., We 
The White Mountains are the highest in New England. 

What Mountains are in Arkansas and Missouri ? Ok. 

——41- 

How many States are there in the United Stal es ? 30. 

How many Territories? Five. Wn., Ia., In., Mo., On. 

There is also a District, called the District of Columbia, which you 
will see on Map No. 11. In 1846 it was diminished in extent: it con 
.ains Washington City, the capital of the United States. Thus the 
wnited States contains 36 separate divisions. 

H 






58 


GEOGRAPHICAL EXERCISES. 


There are 14 States lying along the Atlantic Ocean between New 
Brunswick and the Florida Reefs. 

What are they ? Me., N.-H., Ms., R.-I, Ct., N.-Y., N.-J., De., Md., 
V a ., N.-C., S.-C., Ga., Fa. 

What State lies north of Long Island Sound ? Ct. 

To what State does Long Island belong ? N.-Y. 

What five States lie on the Gulf of Mexico? Ts., La., Mi., Aa., Fa. 

What two States lie west of the Mississippi River ? As., Mi. 

What Territories between the Mississippi and the Rocky M< un- 
ains ? Mo., In. 

What five States lie directly east of the Mississippi River? Mi., 
Te., Ky., Is., Wn. 

What State lies on both sides of the Mississippi ? La. 

What State is bounded in part by Lakes Huron, Michigan, and Su¬ 
perior ? Mn. 

What three States are bounded in part by Lake Erie ? N.-Y., Pa., Oo. 

What State is bounded in part by Lake Ontario ? N.-Y. 

What two States does Lake Champlain separate ? N.-Y., Vt. 

What two States are separated by the Connecticut River ? N.-H., Vt. 

What two States are separated by the Delaware River ? Pa., N.-J. 

What two States are separated by the Potomac River ? Va., Md. 

What two States are separated by the Savannah River ? S.-C., Ga. 

What two States are separated by the Chattahoochee River ? Ga., Aa. 

What five States are bounded in part by the Ohio River ? Ia., Is., 
Oo., Ky., Va. 

What two States are separated in part by the Cumberland Moun¬ 
tains ? Va., Ky. 

What two States are separated by the Alleghany Mountains? N.- 
C., Te. 

-42- 


Which is the largest State ? Ts. 

The smallest ? R.-I. 

What is the capital of the United States ? Wn. 

Which of the Eastern States have each two capitals ? Ct., R,I. 
The six Eastern States are Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Mas¬ 
sachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. 

What is the capital of each ? Aa., Cd., Mr., Bn., Pe., Nt., Hd., N.-Hn. 
The four Middle States are New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, 
and Delaware. 

What is the capital of each? Ay., Tn., Hg., Dr. 

The ten Southern States are Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina. 




GEOGRAPHICAL EXERCISES. 59 

South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, 
and Texas. 

The capital of each ? As., Rd., Rh., Ca M Me., Te., Ta., Jn., N.-Os., 
An. 

The ten Western States are Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Michigan, 
Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, Wisconsin, and Iowa. 

What is the capital of each ? Cs., Ft., Ne., Dt., Is., Sd., J.-Cy. 
^.-Rk., Mn., I.-Cy. 

Through what States does the 40th parallel of Latitude pass ? N. 
3 ., Pa., Va., Oo., Ia., Is., Mo. 

Through what Territory does it pass ? In. 

Through or near what Cities and Towns does it pass ? Pa., Lr., Bd. 
Wg,, Ze., Cs., Bn., Qy. These places have all the same or very nearlj 
the same latitude. 

What six places have nearly the same latitude as Washington Cit) \ 
Wk., Ph., Mn., Vs., Va., S.-Cs. 

By placing a ruler on the Map directly on the place named, keeping 
it parallel with the lines that cross the Map from cast to west, thf 
learner will see at once all those places that have the same latitude. 

What places have the same latitude as the City of New-York ? Nk. 
Br., Br., Pu., Lt., Pa., Bn. 

What places have the same latitude as Boston ? Wr., Dt., S.-Jh., Ga 
Through what States does the meridian of Washington pass ? N. 
Y., Pa., Md., Va., N.-C. 

Through or near what Cities or Towns does it pass ? Ea., Ga. 
Tiiese places therefore have the same longitude as Washington City. 
What four places have about the same longitude as Boston ? Sm 
Nt., Ph., Dr. 

-43- 

MAP NO. 17.—SOUTH AMERICA. 

What Ocean bounds South America on the East / Ac. 

What on the West ? Pc. 

What Sea bounds it on the North ? Cn. 

What arc the principal Mountains of South America ? As. 

What is their length ? 

The highest peak, Mount Sorato, is nearly 5 miles high. It is t) . 
highest Mountain in America. 

What is the next highest Mountain ? Ii. 

On what side of South America are the Andes ? Wt 
What Mountains are on the East ? Bn 
How long are they ? 





GO 


GEOGRAPHICAL EXERCISES. 


YVhal Mountains are in the west part of Brazil ? Gl. 
What Mountains are between Brazil and Guiana ? Ay. 


Which is the largest River in South America ? An. 
Which is its largest branch ? Ma. 

Which is the second River in length ? R.-Pa. 
Which is the third ? Oo. 

Which is the fourth ? S. Fo. 

Into what Ocean do these flow ? Ac. 

What River flows into the Caribbean Sea ? Ma. 


Which is the most northern Cape of South America ? Gs. 

Which is the most southern Cape ? tin. 

Which is the most eastern ? S.-Re. 

Which is the most western ? Bo. 

What two Gulfs are on the Caribbean Sea ? Dn., Va. 

What two are on the west coast ? GL, Ps. 

What are the principal Bays on the west coast ? Pa., Co. 

What are the principal Bays on the east coast ? A.-Ss., S.-Ms., S.-Ge 


What Islands are in the Caribbean Sea ? B.-Ae., Ma. 

These are a part of the Little Antilles, which form the southern divi¬ 
sion of the West Indies. Margarita belongs to Venezuela, and is the 
only West Indian Island that is owned by a South American power. 
What five Islands north of South America ? Td., To., Ga., Bs., S.-Vt 
These form a part of the Caribbee Islands. 

What Island lies between the Amazon and Para rivers ? Js. 

What Islands on the coast of Brazil south of the Equator ? Ia., As 
S.-Sn., Ca., S.-Ca., Ti. 

What Islands east of Patagonia? Fd. 

What Island south of Patagonia ? T.-Fo. 

W'hat Island east of Terra del Fuego? S.-Ld. 

What Island east of Staten Land ? S.-Ga. 

What Islands south of Terra del Fuego ? Cn. 

What Island south of Ch..i ? Ce. 

What three Archipelagoes south of Chiloe ? Cs., M.-Ds., Q.-Aa, 
What Island s^uih of the Gulf of Penas ? W n. 

What Islands west of Chili ? J.-Fs., S.-Fx. 

What Island in the Gulf of Guayaquil ? Fo. 






GEOGRAPHICAL EXERCISES. 


61 


-44- 

What Lake lies in the north-west part of Venezuela? Mo. 

What Lake forms part of the boundary between Peru and Bo 
Mvia? Ta. 

What two Lakes are in Bolivia ? Uy., Xs. 

What three Lakes are in Buenos Ayres ? Ve., Ps., Ia. 

What tw o Lakes are in the southern part of P/azil ? Ps., Mm. 

What Lake in Peru forms the source of th<* Amazon River ? Rs. 

What are the extensive grassy plains in the east part of Brazil 
Railed ? The Sm. 

What are the elevated plains in the west part of Brazil called ? C.-Ps. 

Point out in Venezuela the word Llanos, and in Buenos Ayres the 
vord Pampas. These are the names given to extensive plains in those 
parts of South America. They are, like the Sertam in Brazil, the Prai¬ 
ries in North America, and the Steppes of Asia, covered with grass, on 
which vast herds of cattle roam and feed. 


The three most northern divisions on the west side of South America 
are called the Colombian States. 

Which are they ? Va., N.-Ga., Er. 

The two next lying immediately south of these are called the Peru, 
vian States. 

What are their names ? Pu., Ba. 

Which is the largest division of South America ? B1 
Which is the smallest division ? Py. 

Which division belongs to the British, Dutch, and French? Ga. 
Which is the most northern division of South America ? N.-Ga. 
Which is the most western division ? Er. 

Which is the most eastern division ? Bl. 

Which is the most southern division ? Pa. 

Which two divisions are separated by the Andes ? B.-As. and Ci. 

What is the Capital of New Grenada ? Ba. Of Venezuela ? Cs 
Of Equador ? Qo. Of Peru? La. 

Of Bolivia ? Ca. Of Brazil ? R.-Jo. Of Paraguay ? An. 

Of Uruguay ? Mo. Of Buenos Ayres ? B.-As. Of Chili ? So. 

What States does the Equator pass through ? Bl., Va., N.-Ga., Er 
What is the Equator ? 115. 

What States does the Tropic of Capricorn pass through ? Bl., Py., 
B.-As., Ba. 








62 


GEOGRAPHICAL EXERCISES. 


In what Zone is that part of South America that lies north of the 
Tropic of Capricorn ? Td. 

In what Zone is that part south of the Tropic of Capricorn ? S. Te. 
What portion of South America is in the Torrid Zone, the largest 
or smallest ? Lt. 

How do you know it is in the Torrid Zone ? 189. 


In what Latitude is the greatest part of South America ? S. Le. 
Why is it in South Latitude ? 131. 

What is Latitude ? 130. 

In what Longitude is South America, reckoning from Greenwich ? 
W. Le. 

How do you know it is in West Longitude ? 151. 

What is Longitude ? 146. 

-45- 

MAP NO. 18.—EUROPE. 

What Ocean bounds Europe on the West? Ac. 

What Ocean bounds it on the North? Ac. 

What Sea bounds it on the South ? Mn. 

What Mountains bound it on the East ? Ul. 

There are eight Seas in Europe. What are they ) We., Be., Nh-, 
Ih., Mn., Ma., Bk., Av. 

What Sea is on the north of Russia? We. 

What Sea between Russia and Sweden ? Be. 

What Sea between Scotland and Denmark ? Nh. 

What Sea between England and Ireland ? Ih. 

What Sea between Europe and Africa ? Mn. 

What Sea south of Turkey ? Ma. 

What two Seas south of Russia ? Bk., Av. 

What is the name of the Sea between Greece and Asia ? Ao. 
What is an Archipelago ? 23. 

What large Islands lie west of Europe ? B.-Is. 

The Island containing England, Scotland, and Wales, is called Great 
Britain. 

What Island lies west of Great Britain ? Id. 

What four groups of Islands are west and north of the British Isle« 7 
Hs., Oy., Sd., Fe. 

What large Island lies west of Norway ? Id. 






GEOGRAPHICAL EXERCISES. 63 

What Islands are in the Baltic Sea ? Ad., Do., 01., Gd., Od, Rn., 
Zd., Fn. 

What Islands in the Mediterranean belong to Spain ? Be. 

What Islands belong to France ? Ca. Ta Great Britain ? Ma., In. 
To Egypt ? Ca. 

What Island south of Italy ? Sy. 

What Mountain do you observe on it ? Ea. 

What Island east of Greece ? Nt. 

What small Island between Tuscany and Corsica ? Ea, 

This island is remarkable for being the place to $hich Napoleon 
Bonaparte was banished in 1814. 

What Island bears the same name as a kingdom in Italy ? Sa, 
What small Island between England and Ireland ? Mu. 


What Gulf between Sweden and Russia ? Ba. 

What two Gulfs in the Baltic Sea ? Fd., Ra. 

What Gulf south of France ? Ls. 

What Gulf south of the Kingdom of Sardinia ? Ga. 

What Gulf east of Italy ? Ve. 

What Gulf in the BKck Sea ? Bs. 

What Bay nortn of Spain ? By. 

- 46 - 

What Channel between France and England ? Eh. 

What Channel between Wales and Ireland ? S.-Gs. 

What Channel between Ireland and Scotland ? Nh. 

What Channel between Denmark and No’way ? S.-Rk. 
What Channel between Denmark and Sweden ? Ct. 

What Channel between the Marmora and Black Seas ? Cc. 


What Strait between France and England ? Dr 
What Strait between Europe and Africa ? Gr. 

What Strait between Corsica and Sardinia ? Bo. 

What Strait between the Mediterranean and the Sea of Marmora? Ds 
What Strait between the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov ? Ee. 
What Strait between Italy and Turkey ? Oo. 

What Mountains form the boundary between Europe and Asia ? If 
What Mountains divide Sweden and Norway? Dd. 

What Mountains divide France and Spain ? Ps. 







64 


GEOGRAPHICAL EXERCISES. 


What Mountains in France ? Cs., Ae. 

What Mountains in the north of Spain ? Cn. 

What Mountains in the south of Spain ? Sa.-Ma., Sa.-Na. 

What Mountains in Switzerland ? As., these are the highest in Eu- 
rope. Mt. Blanc is the highest o^the Alps, it is near three miles high 
What Mountains extend through Italy ? Ae. 

What Mountains in the east of Austria ? Cn. 

What Mountains extend through Turkey? Bn. 

Which is the most northern cape of Europe ? Nh. 

Which is the most southern ? Mn. 

Which is the most southern cape of Norway ? Ne. 

Which is the most southern cape of England ? Ld.-Pt. 

Which is the most southern cape of Ireland ? Cr. 

Which is the most northern cape of Spain ? 01. 

Which is the most western cape of Spain ? Fe. 

Which is the most southern cape of Portugal ? S.-Vt, 

Which is the most southern cape of Greece ? Mn. 

What Rivers flow into the White Sea ? Oa., Da., Me. 

What Rivers flow into the Gulf of Bothnia? Ua., Ta., Kx., La.,Sa. 

II., La., Dl. 

What Rivers flow into the Baltic Sea? Da., Nn., Va., Or. 

What Rivers flow into the North Sea? Ee., Wr., Es., Re. 

What Rivers flow into the Atlantic Ocean ? Sn., Se., Le., Ge., Mo., 
Do., Ts., Ga., Gr. 

What Rivers flow into the Mediterranean Sea ? Eo., Re., Tr. 

What River flows into the Gulf of Venice ? P. 

What Rivers flow into the Black Sea ? De., Dr., Bg., Dr 
What River flows into the Sea of Azov ? Dn. 

—— 47 - 

What Peninsula lies west of the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Bothnia! 
Sn. Ny. 

What Peninsula lies south of Norway ? Dk. 

What Peninsula lies south of France ? Sn. PI. 

What Peninsula lies west of the Gulf of Venice ? ly. 

What Peninsula lies south of Turkey ? Ge. 

Vhat Peninsula lies west of the Sea of Azov ? Ctu 








geographical exercises. 


65 


Wtut grand division of the earth lies east of Europe ? Aa. 

What country lies east of the Ural Mountains ? Sa. 

What is the largest division in Europe ? Ra. 

What divisions lie west of the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Bothnia ? 
&n., Ny. 

What division lies south of the Baltic Sea ? Pa. 

What division lies west of the Black Sea ? Ty. 

What division lies west of the Archipelago ? Ge. 

What division lies west of the Gulf of Venice ? Iy. 

What division lies north of the Gulf of Venice ? Aa. 

What division lies north of the Mediterranean Sea ? Fe. 

What divisions lie west of the Mediterranean Sea ? Sn., PL 
What divisions lie on the Black Sea ? Ty., Ra. 

What seven divisions lie on the North Sea ? Ny., Sd., Ed., Dk., Hr.. 
Hd., Bm. 

What divisions lie on the Baltic Sea ? Sn., Dk., Ra., Pa. 

What divisions lie on the Atlantic Ocean ? Ny., Sd., Id., Fe., Sn., PL 
What divisions lie on the Mediterranean Sea ? Sn., Fe., Iy., Ge. 


What is the Capital of Sweden ? Sm. — Of Russia ? S.-Pg. — Of 
Denmark ? Cn.—Of Hanover ? Hr.—Of England ? Ln.—Of Hol¬ 
land ? He. — Of Belgium ? Bs. — Of Prussia? Bn. — Of Saxony? 
Dn.—Of Wirtemberg ? Sd. — Of Bavaria ? Mh. — Of Switzerland ? 
Be. — Of France ? Ps. — Of Spain ? Md. — Of Portugal ? Ln. — 
Of Sardinia ? Tn.—Of Tuscany ? Fe.—Of the Popedom ? Re.—Of 
Naples ? Ns. — Of Austria ? Va. — Of Turkey ? Ce. — Of Greece ? 
As. 


In what Latitude is Europe ? N.-Le. — How do you know it is in 
North Latitude ? In what Longitude is it mostly ? E.-Le.—How do 
you know it is in East Longitude ? What parts of Europe are in West 
Longitude ? Pl., Sn., Fe., Ed., Sd., Id.—Which is the most Northern 
Country of Europe ? Ny. — Which is the most Southern ? Ge. — 
Which is the most Eastern ? Ra.—Which is the most Western ? Id. 

-48- 

MAP NO. 23. —ASIA. 

What great division bounds Asia on the West ? Ee. 

What great division bounds Asia on the North-east ? N.-Aa- 

What great division bounds it on the South-west ? Aa. 

What Ocean bounds it on the North ? Ac. or Northern. 

/ 






66 


GEOGRAPHICAL EXERCISES. 


What Ocean oounds it on the South ? In. 
What Ocean bounds it on the East? Pc. 


What Sea divides Asia from Africa ? Rd. 

What Sea separates Hindoostan from Arabia ? An. 

What Sea lies west of Syria ? Mn. 

What two Seas lie north of Turkey ? Ma., Bk. 

What Sea lies east of Nova Zembla? Ka. 

What Sea lies east of Kamtschatka ? Ka. 

What Sea lies west of Kamtschatka ? Ok. 

What Sea lies west of the Kurile Islands ? Jo. 

What Sea lies between Niphon and Corea ? Jn. 

What Sea lies west of Corea ? Yw. 

What Sea lies east of Cochin China ? Ca. 

Asia contains three interior Seas : which are they ? Cn., Al., Dd. 

What Mountains separate Europe from Asia ? Ul. 

What Mountains bound Siberia on the South ? L.-Ai., G.-Ai. 
What Mountains extend through Mongolia ? Tn. 

What Mountains bound Thibet on the North ? Ivn. 

What Mountains bound Hindoostan on the North-east ? Hh. 
Which is the highest of the Hiimnaleh mountains and its height? Ce* 
What Mountains in the southern part of Hindoostan ? Gt. 

What Mountains are in Turkey ? Ts. 

W r hat Mountains are in Persia ? Ez. 

What Mountains bound Independent Tartary on the South ? II., Kh 
What Mountains are in China ? Pg., Mg. 

What Mountains separate Circassia from Georgia ? Cs. 

What three Gulfs are in the north part of Siberia ? Oe., Yi., La. 
What two Gulfs between Persia and Arabia ? Pn., Os. 

W r hat two Gulfs on the west coast of Hindoostan ? Ch., Cy. 

What Gulf separates Hindoostan from Ceylon ? Mr. 

What Gulf south of Birinah ? Mn. 

What Gulf between Siam and Cambodia? Sm. 

What Gulf east of Anam ? Tn. What near the Yellow Sea ? Pe. 
What Gulf north of Kamtschatka ? Ax. 


W’hich is the most northern Cape of Asia ? C.-Vi. 
Which is the most southern Cape ? Ra. 






GEOGRAPHICAL EXERCISES. 


G7 


Which is the most eastern Cape ? Et. 

Which are the most southern Capes of Hindoostan and Birmak * 
Cn. and Ns. 

- 49 - 

• 

What three great Rivers flow into the Northern Ocean? Oe., Yi., La. 
What River flows into the Channel of Tartary ? Ar. 

What two large Rivers flow through China ? Ho., Yg. 

What River separates Cochin China from Cambodia ? Ca. 

What River flows into the Gulf of Martaban ? Iy. 

What two Rivers flow into the Bay of Bengal ? Gs., Br. 

What River bounds Hindoostan on the west ? Is. 

What two Rivers unite and flow into the Persian Gulf? Es., T s. 
What Rivers flow into the Caspian Sea ? Va., Ul. 

What two Rivers flow into the Sea of Aral ? Ao., Sn. 

What River flows through Little Bokhara ? Cr. 

What Island west of Syria ? Cs. 

What Island south of Hindoostan ? Cn. 

What Islands in the Bay of Bengal ? An., Nr. 

What Island west of Malacca ? P.-Pg. 

What Island south of China ? Hn. 

What Islands east of China ? Fa., L.-Co. 

What Islands form the Empire of Japan? Jo., Nn., Se., Ku. 

What Island east of Mantchooria ? Sn. 

What Islands south of Kamtschatka ? Ke. 

What range of Islands east of Kamtschatka ? An. • 

What three Islands north of Siberia ? Ki., Lf., N.-Sa. 

What Strait separates Asia from North America ? Bs. 

What Strait between the Islands of Jesso and Niphon ? My. 

What Strait between Corea and Japan ? Ca. 

What Strait between China and Formosa ? Fa. 

What Strait between Malacca and Sumatra ? Ma. 

What Strait between Arabia and Abyssinia ? Bb. 

What two great divisions does this Strait separate ? Aa K Aa. 

What Peninsula lies between the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea? Aa. 
What Peninsula south of Siam ? Ma. 

What Peninsula between the Yellow Sea and the Sea of Japan ? Ca 
What Peninsula between the seas of OchoU k and Kamtschatka ? Ka. 


i 







GEOGRAPHICAL EXERCISES. 


68 

What Isthmus between the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea? Si 
What two great divisions does it unite ? Aa., Aa. 

What Isthmus west of the Gulf of Siam ? Kw. 

-50- 

What three Lakes are in the southern part of Siberia? Ty., An., Bi. 
What two are in Soongaria ? Bh., Z.-Nr. 

The word Nor in Central or Middle Asia, appears to mean Lake. 
What Lake is in Little Bokhara ? L.-Nr. 

What three Lakes in China ? K.-Nr., Tg., Pg. 

What Lake in Afghanistan ? Zh. 

The Caspian, Aral, and Dead Seas, are in fact Lakes, but have been 
called Seas because their waters are salt. 


To what Empire do the Northern parts of Asia belong ? Rn. 

What Empire in the middle and eastern parts of Asia ? Ce. 

What great division in the south of Asia ? Ia. 

What country north of the Altai Mountains ? Sa. 

What great division south of the Altai Mountains ? C.-Ty. 

What great division east of the Caspian Sea ? I.-Ty. 

What country south of the Black Sea? Ty. 

What country east of the Mediterranean Sea ? Sa. 

What country east of the Red Sea ? Aa. 

What country south of the Caspian Sea ? Pa. 

What countries east of Persia ? An., Bn. 

What country between the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal? Hn. 
What countries east of the Bay of Bengal ? Bh., Sm. 

What division east of the Cambodia River ? Am. 

What countries are included in Anam ? Ca., C.-Ca., Tn. part of Ls. 
What country north of Anam ? Ca. 

The Chinese Empire includes nine different countries; what are 
^hey ? Sa., Ma., Ma., L.-Ba., L.-Tt., Tt., Bn., Ca., Ca. 

Independent Tartary includes six different countries; what are 
Ley ? Ks., Ta., Ka., Kn., G.-Ba., Kz. 

Afghanistan includes two different States; what are they ? lit., CL 
What Empire lies east of the Chinese Empire ? Jn. 

What is the Capital of Siberia? Tk. — Of the Tartar States, Kokan, 
Khiva, and Bokhara ? V n., Ka., Ba. — Of Persia ? Tn. — Of the 
Arabian States, Hedjaz, Yemen, Nedsjed, and Oman? Ma. Sa 
Da., Mt. — Of Herat ? Ht. — Of Cabul ? Cl. — Of Lahore ? Le. ~ 






GEOGRAPHICAL EXERCISES. 


69 

Of Hindoostan ? Ca. — Of Thibet ? La. — Of Birmah ? Aa. — Of 
Siam ? Bk. — Of Anam ? He. — Of China ? Pn. — Of Corea ? Ko.- 
Of Japan ? Jo. 


What country in Asia does the Arctic Circle pass through ? Sa. 
What countries does the Tropic of Cancer pass through ? Aa., Hn_ 
Bh., Ca. 

In what Zone is the northern part of Asia ? N. Fd. 

In what Zone is the central part of Asia ? N.-Te. 

In what Zone is the southern part of Asia ? Td. 

In what Latitude is Asia wholly ? N,Xe. 

How do you know it is in North Latitude ? 135. 

In what Longitude is Asia from Greenwich ? E.-Le. 

How do you know it is East Longitude ? 151. 

-51- 

MAP NO. 25. —AFRICA. 

What Sea bounds Africa on the North ? Mn. 

What Sea bounds it on the East ? Rd. 

What Ocean bounds it on the East ? In. 

What; Ocean bounds it on the West ? Ac. 


What Strait separates Morocco from Sj *ain ? Gr. 

What Strait separates Abyssinia from Arabia ? Bb. 

What Gulf between Tripoli and Barca ? Sa. 

What Gulf between Berbera and Arabia ? An. 

What Gulf south of Upper Guinea ? Ga. 

What Bays on the southern part of the west coast? G.-Fh., Wh. s 
S.-Cr., S.-Ha. 

What Bay on the east coast north of CafFraria ? Da. 

What Channel between Madagascar and Mozambique ? Me. 


Which is the most northern Ca, *e of Af ica? Bn. 

Which is the most southern Cape ? As 
What is the most eastern Cape ? Gi. 

Which is the most western Cape ? Ve. 

What celebrated Cape near the southern extremity of Africa ? G.-He. 
What two Capes on the desert coist? Br., B(* 

What Cape at the southern extremity of Liberia ? Ps. 







70 


GEOGRAPHICAL EXERCISES. 


What Cape at the northern extremity of Mozambique ? Do. 

What Cape at the northern extremity of Zanguebar ? Bs. 

Which is the principal River in Africa ? Ne. 

The Nile is remarkable for flowing 1600 miles without receiving the 
smallest tributary. 

Into what Sea does the Nile empty ? Mn. 

What are its three chief branches ? Ad., Ai., Te. 

' ,r hat three Rivers empty into the Atlantic Ocean on the west coast 
of Africa ? SI., Ga., R.-Ge. 

What River in Liberia ? S.-Ps. 

What River empties into the Gulf of Guinea ? Nr. 

This is a very remarkable river; though heard of 20 centuries ago, 
its source and mouth were discovered only a few years since. 

What River between Angola and Benguela ? Ca. 

What River between Loango and Congo ? Co. 

What River south of Benguela ? Be. 

What River runs through the country of the Hottentots ? Oe. 
What River flows into Delagoa Bay ? Me. 

What River flows into the Mozambique Channel ? Ze. 

What Rivers run through Zanguebar ? Oe., We. 

What Rivers flow into Lake Tchad ? Y u., Sy. 

What two Lakes in Soudan ? Td., Fe. 

What Lake north of Barn! arra ? De. 

What Lake m Abyssinia ? Da. 

What Lake in Barbary ? Lh. 

What Lake west of Zanguebar and Mozambique ? Mi. 

- 52 - 

What three groups of Islands in the Atlantic Ocean belong to Por¬ 
tugal ? Ae., Ma., C.-Ve. 

What group of Islands belongs to Spain ? Cy. 

What three Islands in the Gulf of Guinea belong to Portugal ? Ps 
S.-Ts., An. 

Which is the most northern Islau 1 in the Gulf of Guinea ? F.-Po. 
What two Islands south of the Equator belong to Great Britain ? 
An., S.-Ha. 

St. Helena is remarkable for being the place of imprisonment anrl 
burial of Napoleon Bonaparte. He died here in 1821, after a residence 
of six years. In the year 1840, his remains were taken to France. 

What great Archipelago in the Indian Ocean ? Ea, 






GEOGRAPHICAL EXERCISES 


71 

What are its principal Islands and groups ? Mr., Co, Se Ae. Md 
Which are the Mascarenha Islands ? Bn., Ms. 

The latter is often called the Isle of France. 

What Islands belong to Great Britain ? Ms., Se., Ae. 

What Island belongs to France ? Bn. 

What Islands belpng to Muscat ? Pa., Zr., Ma. 

What Islands between Madagascar and Mozambique ? Co. 

What Islands north-east of Cape Guardafui ? Sa., A.-Ca. 

To what power docs Socotra belong ? Kn. 

What Mountains extend through Barbary ? As. 

What is the highest Peak of the Atlas Mountains ? Mn. IIow high 
is it? 

What Mountains between Soudan and Guinea ? Kg. 

What Mountains between Soudan and Ethiopia ? Mn. 

What Mountains in Congo ? Cl. 

What Mountains in Cape Colony ? Sw. 

What Mountains west of Mozambique ? La. 

These Mountains have been called by geographers the Back- Bone 
of the world, but their very existence is now considered doubtful. 
What Mountains in Madagascar ? Ra., Rd. 

What great division occupies the northern part of Africa ? By. 
What States does Barbary include ? Mo., As., Ts., Ti., B.-Jd. 
What great division lies south of Barbary ? G.-Dt. 

What great divisions lie south of the Great Desert ? Sn., Sa. 

What great divisions lie south of Soudan ? U.-Ga., L.-Ga. and Ea. 
What great division lies west of Soudan ? ' Sa. 

What great division on the west coast on both sides of the Equator 7 
L.-Ga. 

What great division on the east coast on both sides of the Equator ? Z r 
What great division lies south of the Mountains of the Moon ? Ea 
What colony occupies the southern extremity of Africa ? C.-Cy. 
What two races of men inhabit the country north of Cape Colony 7 

IIs., Bs. 

- 53 - 

What countries lie on the Red Sea ? Et., Na., Aa. 

In what country are the mouths of the river Nile situated ? Et. 
What ia the district comprised between the outlets of the river Nile 
Called? Di 






72 


GEOGRAPHICAL EXERCISES. 


What is a Delta? 

It is a term applied to those districts embraced by the outlets of rivers. 
The Nile, Niger, Ganges, Mississippi, and other great streams, have 
each their respective deltas. 

What Desert occupies a large portion of the north of Africa ? G.-Dt, 
What Desert between the river Nile and the Red Sea ? Nn. 

What Desert re crossed by the Tropic of Capricorn ? Ch. 

How long and wide is the Great Desert ? 

This is the largest Desert in the world ; and though extremely hot. 
and in most places destitute of water, yet contains a number of fertile 
spots called Oases, all of which are inhabited. 

Which are the five principal Oases ? Fn., Tt., As., Bh., Ty. 

There are four other Oases: which are they ? Aa., Sh., E.-Dl., E.-Kh. 
What is the western part of the Great Desert called ? Sa. 


What is the Capital of Morocco ? Mo. — Of Algiers ? As.— Of 
Tunis? Ts. — Of Tripoli? Ti. — OfFczzan? Mk. — Of Egypt? 
Co. — Of Nubia ? N.-Da. — Of Foota Jallon ? To. — Of Ashantee ? 
Ce. — Of Dahomey ? Ay. — Of Benin ? Bn. — Of Kaarta ? Ko. — 
Of Timbuctoo? To. — Of Bambarra? So. — Of Houssa? Ka.— 
Of Yarrtha ? Eo. — Of Bornou ? Ka. — Of Bergoo ? Wa. — Of Dar 
fur? Ce. — Of Kordofan ? It.— Of Abyssinia? Gr. — Of Congo 3 
S.-Sr. — Of Angola ? S.-P.-Lo. — Of Benguela ? S.-F.-Ba. — Of Ca- 
zembe ? Ce. — Of Monomotapa ? Zo. — Of Mozambique ? Of Cape 
Colony ? C. T a. — Of Imerina ? Tu. 


What parts of Africa are crossed by the Tropic of Cancer ? G. Dt., Et 
What parts by the Equator ? L.-Ga., Ea., Zr. 

What parts by the Tropic of Capricorn? IIs., D.-Ch., Bs., Me. 

In what Zone is Africa mostly ? Td. 

In what Zone is that part of it north of the Tropic of Cancer ? N. Te 
In what Zone is that part of it south of the Tropic of Capricorn ? 
S. Te. 

Africa comprises about 37 degrees of N jrth Latitude, and 35 degiees 
of Soutn Latitude. In what Latitude then is it mostly situated ? N.-Le. 

Africa comprises more than 50 degrees of East Longitude, and about 
18 degrees of West Longitude. In what Longitude is it then mostly? 
E.-Le. 

- 54 - 

MAP NO. 28.—OCEANICA. 

Which are the three grand divisions of Oceanica 7 Ma„ Aa. t Pa 







GEOGRAPHICAL EXERCISES. 


73 


Which is the largest division of Oceanica ? Pa. 
Which is the smallest division of Oceanica ? Ma. 


What three considerable Islands docs the Equator pass through in 
Malaysia ? Sa., Bo., Cs. 

What Island lies south-east of Sumatra? Ja. 

What five Islands east of Java ? By., Sa., Ja., Fs., Tr. 

What Islands east of Celebes ? Se. 

What Islands east of the China Sea ? Pe. 

Which are the two largest of the Philippine Islands ? Ln., Mo. 

What Strait separates Sumatra from Malacca ? Ma 
What Strait separates Sumatra from Java? Sa. 

American vessels generally pass through the Straits of Sunda on 
going to or returning from China. 

What Strait between Borneo and Celebes ? Mr. 

What Islands between Borneo and Mindanao ? So. 

What Mountain in Sumatra directly under the Equator ? 


Which is the largest Island of Australasia ? Aa. 

What are its divisions ? W.-Aa., S.-Aa. and Ns.-W. 

What Colony on the cast coast of Australia ? R-By. 

What Colony on the west coast ? S.-Rr. On the south ? S.-Aa. 
What Island south of Australia ? V.-D.-Ld. or Ta. 

What Strait separates Australia from Van Dieman’s Land ? Bs. 
What Strait separates Australia from Papua or New Guinea ? Ts. 
What two Gulfs on opposite sides of Australia ? Ca-, Ss. 

Which is the principal River in Australia ? My. 

Which are the principal Mountains in Australia ? Be., Bs. 

Which is its principal Town ? Sy. 

What large Island north of Australia ? Pa. or N.-Ga. 

What Islands north-east of Australia ? S.-Ao., N.-Ga^ N.-Id., N. 
Bn., Le. 

What Islands east of Australia ? N.-Hs., N.-Ca., Nk. 

What Sea between Australia and New Hebrides ? Cl. 

What Islands south-east of Australia ? N.-Zd. 

What Strait between the two largest Islands of New Zealand ? Cs. 
What Strait between the middle and southernmost Island of New 
fiealand ? Fx. 

What Bays in the northern part of New Zealand ? Is., F; 






74 


GEOGRAPHICAL EXERCISES. 


-55- 

Which Archipelago of Polynesia does the Equator pass through ? Cl. 

Which are the principal Archipelagoes and Islands of Polynesia 
north of the Equator ? Ms.-A., As.-A., Ce., Le., Sh., Aa. 

What Archipelago lies on the 140th meridian of Longitude west 
from Greenwich ? Ms. 

What groups of Islands does it contain ? Wn., Ms. 

Which are the principal Islands east of the 160th meridian of Lon 
gitude west from Greenwich, and south of the Equator ? Sy., Gn. 
Cs., Al., Ps., Pu., Gr. P.-Ws., K.-Gs. 

Which are the principal Islands that lie west of the 160th meridian 
of Longitude west from Greenwich, and south of the Equator ? Ns., 
Fy., Fe., Hi., Ta., Kc. 


What is the most northern Island of Polynesia ? Ms. 
Which are the most southern Isles of Polynesia? Kc. 
Which is the most eastern Island of Polynesia ? Er. 
Which are the most western Islands of Polynesia ? S.-As. 


The most important group of Islands belonging to Polynesia is o« 
the 20th parallel of North Latitude. Which is it ? Sh. 

Which is the principal of the Sandwich Islands ? Hi. or Oe. 

What high Mountain is on the Island of Hawaii and its height 7 
M.-Rh. s 

What distinguished personage was killed here in the year 1779? 


What Tropic crosses the northern part of Oceanica? Cr 
What Tropic crosses the southern part ? Cn. 

What great Circle crosses the central or middle part ? Er. 

In what Zone is the northern part of Oceanica ? N.-Te. 

In what Zone is the middle parts ? Td. 

In what Zone is the southern part ? S.-Te. 

Oceanica comprises 50 degrees of South Latitude, and 40 North 
Latitude. 

In what Latitude then is it mostly ? Sh. 

Oceanica comprises about 85 degrees of east and 72 nf west Lomn. 
lude from Greenwich. ^ 

In wnat Longitude then is it mostly ? Et. 







DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


75 


PART SECOND. 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 



Figure and Population of the Earth. 


-56- 

1. The Earth is a vast globe or spherical body similar to a 
solid ball. Its entire surface is about 200 millions of square 
miles, of which one-fourth or 50 millions of square miles is 
land, and the remaining three-fourths are covered with water. 

2. Ignorant people suppose the earth to be a flat body, bounded on 
all sides by the sea and sky. More attentive observers were, however, 
long ago persuaded that it is a globe or sphere, similar in form to a 
ball or apple. 

3. Various circumstances render it evident that the earth 
must be a body round in every direction; of which one of the 


1. What is the earth ? What is its entire surface? How much is 
land ? How much is water ? 2. What do ignorant people suppose tne 
ear „h to be ? Of what were more attentive observers persuaded ? 
3. What is one of the most striking proofs that the earth is round in 



















DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


76 

most striking proofs is that furnished by an eclipse of the 
moon, which takes place in consequence of the earth coming 
between the sun and the moon, and causing the circular 
shadow of the earth to be thrown on the latter body. 

4. If the earth, instead of being round in all directions, was merely 
a circular flat body like the top of a round table the shadow thrown 
from it on the moon would at one time or other present the appearance 
of an oval, of a straight line, or some other figure different from that 
which it has always been found to assume. 

5. Sailing round the world is another proof of its globular 
form. It is well known that navigators, by leaving any sea¬ 
port, Philadelphia for instance, and sailing as nearly east or 
west from it as the form of the different continents will per¬ 
mit, may go round the world and return to the place they left 
in a direction opposite to that from which they started. 

6. To sail round the world is called circumnavigating it, and was 
first accomplished by Magellan, a Portuguese navigator, more thans 
three hundred years ago. It was for a long time considered a great 
undertaking, but it has been of late years so often performed, that it is 
not now thought to be an enterprise of any importance. 

--57- 

7. When a ship comes from sea towards the land, we first 
get sight of the tops of the masts and rigging; as she advan¬ 
ces nearer, the lower parts are seen; and at last the hull, or 
body of the vessel, comes distinctly into view. If the earth 
were not spherical, the hull would be the first part seen. 

8. A person sailing to the southern parts of the earth, perceives that 
the sun appears more and more to come directly over him at noon, which 
at length actually happens; and after he has passed the Equator, the 
sun begins to appear to the northward, and will go farther and farther 
in that direction as he advances south. 

9. New stars will also come into view in the southern horizon, while 
those in the northern parts will gradually disappear. These circum. 
stances could not possibly happen if the earth were a flat body, whereas 


every direction ? 4. If the earth was a circular flat body, what appear¬ 
ance would its shadow present ? 5. What is another proof of its 

globular form ? How must navigators sail to go round the world ? 
6. What is it called ? Who was the first that did it ? .What w r as it 
for a long time considered ? 7. What do we first get sight of when a 

ship comes from sea ? Wkat at last comes distinctly into view ? 8. What 
will a person sailing to the south perceive ? After he has passed the 
Equator what will begin to appear ? 9 What will come into view ? 





DESCRIPTIVE GEOGKAPIIV. 


77 



on the supposition that it is spherical, they all appear simple and pro¬ 
bable. 


10. The inhabitants of the earth amount to about eight 
hundred millions, and if they were equally distributed, every 
square mile of land would contain 16 human beings. 

11. On an average, a generation of men is supposed to exist about 
33 years. Some individuals live more than twice, and a very few three 
times that period; but the estimate is that 800 millions of human beings 
are born and die every 33 years; being at the rate of almost 25 mil¬ 
lions a year, 66,000 every day, 2700 every hour, and 45 every minute. 

12. The creation of the w’orld, according to the book of 
Genesis, took place near 6,000 years ago, so that supposing 
the average duration of life to have been always the same, 
about 175 generations of men would have existed since that 
time. 

13. In the early ages of the earth, however, the duration of life was 
greater than at present; therefore, it is probaLle that a smaller number 
of generations of men must have existed than according to the above 
calculations. 


What could not possibly happen? 1*1, How many inhabitants are there 
on the earth ? Suppose they were equally distributed, what would be 
the effect? 11. How long on an average does a generation of men exist? 
How many are born and die every thirty-three years ? How many die 
every year ? Every day ? Every hour ? Every minute ? 12. How long 
has the world been created ? How many generations are supposed to 
have lived since that time ? 13. When was the duration of life greater 

















78 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


-58—-- 

14. The world comprises five great divisions, viz: Ameri¬ 
ca* Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceanica; these are each 
subdivided into various Empires, Kingdoms, Republics, &c. 

15. America is a great continent, entirely separated from the other 
parts of the earth. It is often called the New World, and also the 
Western continent. 

16. Europe is the smallest of the five grand divisions, yet it contains 
the most powerful nations in the world. 

17. Asia is the largest division of the Globe, and comprises more 
than one-half of the Eastern continent. It is the most populous quar¬ 
ter of th<. earth. 

18. Africa is a great peninsula, united to Asia by the isthmus of 
Suez. It is the least known of any of the great divisions of the earth. 

19. Oceanica comprises the various groups of Islands situated in the 
Pacific Ocean between the Eastern and Western continents. 

20. Of the population of the earth, 417 millions belong to 
the European or Caucasian race, 280 millions to the Asiatic 
or Mongolian race, 90 millions to the African or Negro race, 
20 millions to the Malay race, and 10 millions to the Ameri¬ 
can race. 



SquareMiles 

Population. 


Square Miles. 

America .... 

Europe . 

A sin . .. 

15,000,000 

3,500,000 

16,000,000 

11,000,000 

4,500,900 

50,565,000 

238,782,000 

450,000,000 

57,000,000 

20,925,000 

Northern Ocean 
Pacific do. 

Atlantic do. 

I Indian co. 

j Southern do. 

( 

6,000,000 

77,000,000 

34,000,000 

20,000,000 

13,000,000 

Africa. 

Oceanica .... 

50,000,000 

817,271,000j 

150,000,000] 


than at present ? 14. What does the world comprise ? What are they 
15. What is America? 16. What is Europe? 17. What is Asia 
18. What is Africa? 19. What does Oceanica comprise? 20. Of 
the population of the earth, how many belong to the European race? 
The Asiatic ? the African ? The Malay ? The American ? Tell 
from the table the number of square i.iiles and population in America. 
In Europe. In Asia. In Africa. In Oceanica. Tell the extent in 
square miles of the Northern Ocean. The Pacific. The Atlantic. 
The Indian. The Southern. 























AMERICA. 


79 


AMERICA. 



Landing of Columbus. 

-59- 

1. America is an extensive continent, comprising one of 
the grand divisions of the globe. It contains about three- 
tenths of the dry land on the surface of the earth, and is 
washed on all sides by vast oceans. 

2. Its climate is various, embracing that of every Zone; 
the torrid, the temperate on both sides of the equator, and 
part of the frigid. It is said to be colder, generally, than in 
places in the same latitude in other parts of the world. 

3. This continent is distinguished for the variety and 
richness of its vegetable productions, the number of its mines 
of gold, silver, and precious stones, and forHhe freedom of 
its political institutions. 

4. The inhabitants amount to about 50 and a half mil¬ 
lions, of whom 22 millions are whites, 10 millions of Indians, 
9 millions of negroes, and 9 and a half millions of the mixed 
races. 

5. The whites are chiefly English in th<? North, and Spaniards in 

America. Q.—1. What does America contain ? 2. What is said 

of the climate ? 3. For what is this continent distinguished ? 

4. What is the number of inhabitants ? What are the Whites ? 








DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY 


80 

the South, with some French, Portuguese, Germans, Dutch, &e. The 
negroes are Africans and their descendants, who were purchased as 
slaves in their native country and brought hither from time to time. 

6. The aboriginal population consists of two distinct races; the 
Esquimaux* inhabiting the shores and Islands of the Arctic regions, 
and the copper-coloured Indians who are spread over the rest of the 
continent. 

7. America is called the Western continent, because it lies 
westward of Europe, and the New World from its recent dis¬ 
covery. It was unknown to European nations until the yeai 
1492, when it was discovered by Christopher Columbus, a 
native of Genoa, in Italy, and the most skilful navigator of 
his age. 

8. The great object which then engaged the attention of the mari¬ 
time nations of Europe, was a passage by sea to the East Indies. 

9. The spherical figure of the earth, which Columbus understood, 
led him to believe that the eastern parts of the world stretched so far 
towards Europe, that they might be reached in a moderate space of 
time by sailing westward, and he proposed to undertake the voyage. 

10. This project, however, was regarded generally as so visionary, 
that it was only after many years of ardent solicitation, that Ferdinand 
and Isabella, King and Queen of Spain, were induced to patronize the 
undertaking. 

- -60 - 

11. Columbus was furnished by these sovereigns with 
three small vessels, and ninety men, and left Palos, a port on 
the south of Spain, August 3d, 1492. On the 12th of Octo¬ 
ber following, he discovered Guanahani Island, one of the 
Bahamas, which he named St. Salvador. 

12. He visited at that time several of the adjacent Islands, and re¬ 
turned to Spain, where he was received with the greatest honours. He 
made three other successful voyages of discovery, but was, notwith 
standing, treated with gross injustice by those who were envious of 
the fame he had acquired. 

The Negroes ? 6. The Aboriginal population ? 7. What is Ame¬ 

rica frequently called ? In what year was it discovered ? Who dis¬ 
covered it? 8. What great object engaged the attention of the 
aations of Europe at that period ? 9. What idea did Columbus con¬ 
ceive ? 10. Who patronized him? 11. What did they furnish him 

with ? When did he leave Spain ? When did he discover Guanahani ? 
12. What did he visit at that time ? How was he received in Spain ? 


* Esquimaux, Es-ke-mo. 







AMERICA. 


81 

13. The discovery of Columbus excited a spirit of maritime enter- 
prise unknown and unfelt at any time before, and drew numerous ad¬ 
venturers from all parts of Europe. 

14. In 1497, John Cabot, and his son Sebastian, natives of Venice, 
in the service of Henry VII. of England, discovered North America, 
and explored the coast from Newfoundland to Florida, 

15. In 1499, Americus Vespucius, a native of Florence, visited South 
America. On his return to Europe, he published the first account of 
the New World, of which he claimed the original discovery, and 
thereby gave his name to the Western Continent. This however does 
not lessen the glory which crowns the discovery of Columbus, and 
which will descend with his memory to the most distant ages. 

16. It was at first supposed that America was a part of 
the Eastern Continent; the Islands first discovered received 
therefore the name of the West Indies, and the inhabitants 
that of Indians, which was afterwards extended to the natives 
of the whole country. 

17. Much controversy has taken place on the origin of the inhabit¬ 
ants of the New World: they were found in various stages of society, 
from the lowest savage state to that of a half-civilized people. The 
conclusion is, that they emigrated from the Eastern Continent, and 
that they reached America from the nearest points of North-Western 
Europe and North-Eastern Asia, but at what period is entirely un¬ 
known. 

18. Several years elapsed before America was known to be a sepa¬ 
rate continent; at length in 1513 Balboa, a Spaniard, ascended the 
mountains in the Isthmus of Darien, and first saw the Pacific Ocean. 

19. The Western Continent is generally described under 
two grand divisions, viz: North America, and South Ameri¬ 
ca ; these are joined together by the isthmus of Darien. There 
is besides a great collection of islands lying between the two 
continents, usually called the West Indies; but by some it is 
also termed the Columbian Archipelago. 


What did he afterwards do? How was he treated? 13. What did 

the discovery of Columbus excite ? 14. Who discovered North Ameri 

ca? 15. Who published the first account of the New World ? Afte. 
whom was it named ? What will descend to the most distant ages ? 

16. What was America supposed to be ? What did the Islands first 
discovered receive? The inhabitants ? 17. What has taken place on 

.‘he origin of the inhabitants ? How were they found ? What is the 
conclusion? 18. Who first saw the Pacific Ocean? 19. What are 
J>e divisions of the Western continent? 


L 



82 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


NORTH AMERICA. 



orth American Indians. 


-61- 

1. North America comprises the northern division of the 
YV estern Continent. It extends from the Arctic Ocean to the 
Isthmus of Darien, a distance of 4800 miles in length, and 
from 3200 to 2600 in breadth. 

2. The Rivers, Lakes, Plains, and Mountains, of this con¬ 
tinent, are all on a grand scale, and are among the most re¬ 
markable in the world. 

3. The Mississippi, with the Missouri, far surpasses, in length of 
course, the principal rivers of the eastern continent; and Lake Superior 
.s the largest body of fresh water known. It forms, with the great 
akes with which it is connected, a vast interior sea, affording a b con- 
anuous navigation many hundreds of miles in extent. 

4. The precious and useful metals and minerals exist in 
North America in great abundance. Gold, silver, copper, and 
tin, are found in Mexico; and gold, iron, lead, and coal, in the 


North America. Q.—1. What is North America? What is its ex- 
tent ? 2. What are on a grand scale ? 3. What is said of its rivers 

ma lakes ? 4. What metals, &c., exist in great abundance ? What 

































NORTH AMERICA. 


83 


United States—where the three latter abound in such quanti¬ 
ties, that ages of the most active industry will not probably 
exhaust them. 

5. Among the animals of North America, there are several species 
not found in any other part of the world. The grizzly and barren ground 
bears are peculiar ; .also the moose or elk, the wapiti, and the caribou 
or rein-deer. The buffalo, musk-ox, and rocky mountain sheep and 
goat, all differ from animals of the same kind found elsewhere. 



Buffalo. Rocky Mountain Sheep. 


G. Various species of birds abound; of the rapacious kind, there are 
eagles, vultures, hawks, falcons, &c. The bald-headed eagle is well 
known as being the chosen emblem of our own republic. The wild 
turkey is a native of this continent, and was introduced into Europe 
about 30 years after the discovery of America. 



Bald Eagle. 



Pinnated Grouse. 


7. The highly esteemed canvas-back duck, the diminutive hum- 


abounds in the United States ? 5. What is said of the animals of 
North America ? 6. What species of birds abound ? What is said 

of the wild turkey, See. ? 7. What other birds are mentioned ? 


t 







84 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


ming-bird, the whip-poor-will, the blue jay, and the mocking-bird, are 
all confined to this continent; while grouse, pheasants, &c., of different 
kinds, are found in various parts, and are highly esteemed for food. 



Rattle-Snake. 


Alligator, 


8. The alligator exists only in the southern section of the continent, 
being seldom seen north of Louisiana and the Carolinas. The rattle¬ 
snake is peculiar to the New World ; it is formidable for the deadly 
venom of its bite, and comprises five or six different varieties. 

9. The Indians and Esquimaux constitute the original inhabitant* 
of the country. The Indians are usually tall, straight, and erect in 
form, of a dark copper-colour, with high cheek-bones and long coarse 
black hair; while the Esquimaux are short and stout in person, and 
of a dirty reddish yellow complexion. The latter are lively and cheer¬ 
ful in disposition, and appear to be more social and domestic in their 
habits than savages usually are. 

10. North America is politically divided into the Republics of the 
United States, Mexico, and Guatimala: these occupy the continent 
south and west of the great lakes, while the northern parts comprise 
the colonial territories of Great Britain and Russia. 


OBSERVATIONS OH THE QUESTIONS. 

In bounding any country or state, let the learner tell what is on the 
north, what on the south, on the east, and on the west. 

To the first question on the following page—How is Russian Arne- 
rica bounded ? the answer will be, on the north by the Polar Sea, south 
by the Pacific Ocean, east by British America, and west by Bhering’s 


Strait. 


In telling of Gulfs, Bays, or Sounds, say what countries they are in, 
or are surrounded by, and what Oceans they are connected with, thus : 
Baffin’s Bay is bounded east by Greenland, west by Prince .William’s 
Land, and leads into the Atlantic Ocean. 

8. Of the alligator? 9. Who comprise the original inhabitants of 
the country ? What is said of the Indians ? Of the Esquimaux 
10. How is North America politically divided? 





NORTH AMERICA. 


85 


Tell what countries, or divisions, Straits separate, and what Oceans, 
days, &c. they connect: thus, Bhering’s Strait separates America 
from Asia, and connects the Pacific and the Arctic Oceans. 

Tell where Lakes are situated, and with what Rivers they are con- 
nected: thus, Lakes Superior, Huron, Erie, and Ontario, are between 
Canada and the United States, and flow into the St. Lawrence River. 

Tell where Peninsulas are situated, to what countries they belong, 
and what waters surround them : thus, Nova Scotia is in the southern 
part of British America; it has the Bay of Fundy and the Gu v of St. 
Lawrence on the north, and the Atlantic Ocean on the south. Tefl 
where islands are situated, and their direction from the nearest Conti¬ 
nent or other Islands; thus, Cuba is in the West Indies; it is south 
uf the United States, east of Mexico, and north of Jamaica. 

Tell where Mountains are situated, how they extend, what countries 
they separate, and what their length is: thus, the Rocky Mts. are in the 
western part of North America; they extend through Russian America, 
British America, the United States, and Mexico; they separate in part 
the United States and British America, and are 4,000 miles in length. 

Tell where Rivers rise, in what direction they flow, and where they 
empty : thus, the Mississippi rises west of Lake Superior, flow, south¬ 
ward through the United States, and empties into the Gulf of Mexico. 
Tell also the branches which form the main stream of various rivers in 
the United States: thus, the Alleghany and Monongahela form the 
Ohio; the Mattapony in Virginia is formed of the Mat, the Ta, the 
Po, and the Ny. 

USE OF THE SCALES. 

By means of the Scales t f Miles, which are attached to nearly all the 
Maps, the learner may measure the length and breadth of Continents, 
Seas, Gulfs, &c. Thus, for example, take with a pair of compasses, or 
the edge of a slip of paper, the length of the Scale of Miles of Map No. 
3, and measure with it from Smith's Sound to the southern extremity 
of North America; it will be found to extend nearly five times the 
length of the scale, or about 4,800 miles. On north latitude 40 degrees, 
the breadth of the Continent is 2,600 mfles; on latitude 52 degrees, 
3,000 miles, and from Nova Scotia to Porio Rico 1,800. These exer¬ 
cises will give variety to the studies, and impress on the mind of the 
pupil the length and breadth of countries and their distances from eacls 
ther, &c., in a more decided manner than by any other method. 

By studying the Explanation on the Maps, the learner will under 
stand how the Capitals of countries, the population of the cities ana 
towns, and the lengths of the rivers, are represented. 

-62-- 

Map No. 4.-*-How is Russian America bounded ? Br’tirh America 
bounded ? Capital ? United States bounded ? Capital ? Mexico 
bounded ? Capital ? Guatimala bounded ? Capital ? Balize bound¬ 
ed ? Capital ? 

IIow is North America bounded ? 





36 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


Where is Coronation Gulf? G. of Boothia ? G. of St. Lawrence ? 
Welcome G. ? G. of Georgia ? G. of California ? G. of Mexico? G 
of Tehuantepec ? What is a Gulf or Bay ? 24, page 10. 

Where is Bristol Bay ? Melville B. ? Hudson’s B. ? Musquito B. ? 
Ungava B. ? James’ B. ? San Francisco B. ? B. of Fundy ? Dela¬ 
ware B. ? Chesapeake B. ? Tampa B. ? Galveston B. ? B. of Cam 
peche ? B. of Honduras ? B. of Guatimala ?* 

Where is Norton’s Sound ? Prince William’s S. ? Smith’s S. ? 
Lancaster S. ? Davy’s S. ? Queen Charlotte’s S. ? Albemarle S. ? 
What is a Sound ? 26, page 10. 


Where is Bhering’st Strait ? Davis’ S. ? Cumberland S. ? Fro 
bisher’s S. ? Hudson’s S. ? S. of Bellisle ?t Gut or S. of Canso ? 
S. of Juan de Fuca ? How wide is Bhering’s S. ? Where is Pr. Re 
gent’s Inlet? What is a Strait? 25, page 10. 


Where is Great Bear Lake ? Great Slave L. ? Athabasca L. ? 
Winnipeg L.? L. Superior? L. Huron? L. Michigan? L. Erie? 
L. Ontario? L. Chapala?§ Great Salt Lake? L. Nicaragua ?|| What 
are the lengths of the first four and of the last Lake ? 

What is a Lake ? 29, page 10. 


Where is the Peninsula of Alaska ? Melville ? Greenland ? Nova 
Scotia? Florida? Yucatan? California? Boothia Felix? 

What is a Peninsula ? 54, page 14. 


Where is Cape Prince of Wales ? C. Bathurst ? C. Brewster ? C. 
Farewell? C. St. Lewis? C. Race? C. Sable? N. S. C. Cod? 
C. Hatteras? C. Sable? Fa. C. St. Antonio? C. Gracias k Dios? 
C. Mendocino ? Moro Hermoso ? C. St. Lucas ? C. Gorda ? Point 
DeWitt Clinton? P. Beechy? P. Barrow? Capes are frequently- 
called Points. 

What is a Cape or Point ? 57, page 14. 


Where is Nunnivack Island? Kodiak I.? Stitcha I.? Washing¬ 
ton or Queen Charlotte’s I. ? Quadra and Vancouver’s I. ? North 
Georgian Islands? Southampton I. ? Disco I. ? Newfoundland \.i 
Anticosti I. ? Prince Edward’s I. ? Cape Breton I. ? Bermudas Isl¬ 
ands ? Bahama Islands? The West Indies ? Cuba? Hayti? Ja¬ 
maica ? Porto Rico ? The last four are called the Great Antilles. 
Where are the Caribbee Islands ? Where is Curagoa ? Margarita ? 
Buen Ayre ? Oruba ? Tortuga ? Orchilla ? The last six are called 
the Little Antilles. 

What are Islands ? 56, page 14. 

* Guatimala, Gwa-te-mah'-la. t Bhering's, Be-rings', t Bellisle, Bel 
ile. § Chapala, Sha'-pa-la. [] Nicaragua, Nic-ar-aw'-gua 










RUSSIAN AMERICA. 


87 


- 63 - 

Map No. 4.—Where are the Rocky Mountains? and what is theii 
length ? Where is the Sierra Nevada or Snowy Range ? Alleghany 
Mts. ? and their length ? Where are the Arctic Highlands ? The 
Mexican Cordilleras ? Where is Mount St. Elias ? Mt. Brown ? Mt. 
Hooker ? Tell the heights of the three last Mountains. Where is 
Fremont’s Peak ? Long’s Peak ? Pike’s P. ? Spanish Ps. ? Popo- 
catapetl ?* The Water Volcano? Cosiguina? The three last are 
Yolcanos. What is a Volcano ? 62, page 15. 

Where is Mackenzie’s River ? Great Fish R. ? Churchill R. ? 
Nelson R. ? St. Lawrence R. ? Frazer’s R. ? Columbia R. ? Sacra¬ 
mento R. ? Colorado R. ? Rio Grande del Norte ? Brazos R. ? Mis¬ 
sissippi R. ? Give the lengths of all these rivers, and the parts of the 
Ocean into which they flow. What is a River ? 34, page 11. 

What stream do you observe extending along the east coast of the 
United States from Florida to the Grand Bank of Newfoundland ? G£ 
Sin. This is a remarkable current in the Atlantic Ocean, which runs 
where it is narrowest at the rate of 5 miles an hour, lessening in ra¬ 
pidity as it flows north. The water is warmer in the Gulf Stream than 
in the adjacent parts of the Ocean, and of a different colour also; so 
that sailors know when they come within its limits. 

How many miles is it from Labrador to Russia ? To Denmark ? 
From Quadra and Vancouver’s Island to Mongolia ? From California 
to Corea ? To Thibet? To Hindoostan? From the United States 
to Greece? From the Bermudas to Madeira? From the United 
States to Egypt ? From Guatimala to Hindoostan? 

Which are the seven largest Cities in North America? The popu¬ 
lation of these is 80,000 and upwards. Bn., N.-Yk., Pa., Be., N.-Os., 
Ha., Mo. 

What ten Cities contain from 40,0J0 to 60,000 inhabitants each ? 
Ml., Ci., S.-L.-Pi., Ga., Oa., Go., Qo., L.-Pa., N.-Ga., P.-Pe. 

There are eighteen Cities that contain from 20,000 to 38,000 inhabit 
ants each ; which are they ? Qc., S.-Js., Pe., LI., Ay., Wn., Rd., Le., 
Cn., Zs., Do., Vd., Ln., Co., S.-Jo., Kn., S.-Js., Ms. What is a City ? 
262, page 37. 

-- 64 - 

RUSSIAN AMERICA. 

1. Russian*}" America comprises that part of the Conti¬ 
nent lying nearest to Asia, from which it is separated by Bhe- 
ring’s Strait, and from British America by the 141st degree 
of west longitude. 

Russian America. Q.—1. What does Russian America comprise ? 
What separates Russian America from Asia ? What separates it from 


* Popocatapetl , Po-po-cat-a-peet'-il. 


t Russian, Ru'-shan 










88 DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


It is a cold, dreary, and almost unknown region, inhabited 
chiefly by Indians and Esquimaux. 

2. The Russians have established a number of trading factories 
along the coast, the principal of which is New Archangel. Here they 
barter fire-arms, beads, tobacco, and other articles, for the furs ob 
tained by the natives in hunting. 



Subterraneous Mansion of the Aleutian Islanders. 


3. The Aleutian* or Fox Islands extend to a great distance west- 
ward from the Peninsula of Alaska : they are inhabited by a race of 
savages who live in houses under ground, which contain each from 50 
„o 150 inhabitants, and are divided into numerous apartments, which, 
though dark and dirty, protect their inmates effectually from the weather. 


Map No. 4.—What Sea bounds Russian America on the north? Pr.— 
What Ocean on the south ? Pc.—What country on the east ? B.-Aa.— 
What is the most northern point ? Bw.—The most western Cape ? 
P.-Ws.—What Peninsula in the south? Aa.—What two Mountains 
in the south-east ? S.-Es., Fr. — On what Island is New Archangel 
situated ? Sa. 

—— 65 -—— 


GREENLAND. 

1. Greenland is one of the most desolate and barren re¬ 
gions on the face of the earth. An almost perpetual winter 
prevails, interrupted only by a short summer of a few weeks’ 

British America ? By whom is it chiefly inhabited ? 2. What have 
the Russians established along the coast ? How do they trade with 
the natives? 3. What Islands extend westward from Alaska? By 
whom are they inhabited ? How do they live ? What do they can- 
tain ? How are they divided ? 

Greenland. Q. —1. What is Greenland? To what power does 


* Aleutian. Al-u'-shan. 








GREENLAND, AND BRITISH AMERICA. 89 

duration. The whole region is claimed by Denmark, which 
has formed some small settlements along the western coast. 

2. Several of these are also Moravian missionary stations, where the 
inhabitants have been in some measure converted from their ignorance 
and superstition, and partly enlightened by the doctrines of Christianity. 

3. In the Northern part of Greenland, Captain Ross discovered a 
district which he named the Arctic Highlands. The inhabitants, who 
had never before seen an European, were seized with the utmost 
astonishment, especially at the ships, which they at first imagined to 
be huge birds with wings. 

4. The cliffs on the coast present the remarkable phenomenon of red 
snow, the nature and origin of which has excited much controversy 
among the learned in Europe. 

Map No. 4.—What Bay bounds Greenland on the west ? Bs. — 
What Ocean on the east ? Ac. —What is its southern Cape ? FI. — 
What missionary stations on the west coast ? Hg., Sp., N.-IIt., Ls., 
Tb., Lu. —What land on the east coast ? Ss. — Does the largest or 
smallest part of Greenland lie north of the Arctic circle ? Lt. —What 
Zone then is it in ? N.-Fd. 

- 66 - ' 

BRITISH AMERICA. 

1. British America comprises the whole of the American 
continent lying north of the United States, with the exception 
of the extreme north-western portion, which is claimed by 
Russia. It is a region of vast extent, being equal in area to 
the whole of the former country. 

2. Its divisions are New Britain, New Caledonia, Canada, 
New Brunswick, Prince Edward’s Island, Nova Scotia, and 
Cape Breton, together with the Island of Newfoundland. 
About one-tenth part only of these territories is as yet settled 
by a civilized population. 

3. The climate of British America is very severe, much 
exceeding what is felt under the same latitude in the Old Con¬ 
tinent. Even the southern sections are covered with ice and 
snow for five or six months in the year; and in the northern 
parts of the country the winter is almost perpetual. 

4. The lakes which form a portion of the boundary line between 

belong ? 2. What are several of the settlements ? Of the inhabitants ^ 
3. What did Captain Ross discover ? What did the natives imagine 
respecting the ships of their visiters ? 4. What do the cliffs on the 

roast present ? 

British America. Q. — 1. What does British America comprise? 
\ What axe its divisions ? 3. Of the climate ? 4, The lakes ? 

M 






90 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


this, territory and the United States, are on a greater scale than in an} 
other part of the world. These form a vast inland sea of fresh water, 
which is navigable for vessels of the largest burthen, and is traversed 
by a number of steam-boats, ships, &c., in almost every direction. 



The White or Great Polar Bear. Musk Ox. 


5. The White Bear, Musk Ox, Caribou or American Rein-Deer, and * 
other animals, abound in all the northern parts of this region, and 
supply the inhabitants with the chief part of their clothing and food, 
besides furnishing the* skins which are bartered with the traders of the 
Hudson’s Bay Company for the various manufactured articles which 
have become essential to the comfort and even existence of the Indians. 

6. Each province of British America has a governor and council, 
appointed by the Sovereign of Great Britain,* and a house of Commons 
or Representatives chosen by the people. The whole territory, however, 
is under the control of a Governor General, who resides at Montreal. 

7. Canada was originally settled by the French, but fell into the 
hands of the English in consequence of the victory gained near Que¬ 
bec, in 1759, by General Wolffe. 

8. Since that period the trade and population of these provinces have 
greatly increased, and they have likewise enjoyed a considerable degree 
of prosperity. Canada was for fifty years divided into two provinces, 
but in the year 1841 it was united into one. 

Map No. 4.—What bounds British America on tne North ? P.-Sa. 

— On the West? R.-Aa. — South? U.-Ss.— East? A.-On.—What 
separates it from Greenland ? B.-By. — In what continent is British 
America? Wn.—What circle extends through the north part? Ac. 

— In what Zone is that part of it which lies north of the Arctic cir¬ 
cle ? N.-Fd. — In what Zone is the southern part ? N.-Te.— In what 
latitude is British America ? N.-Le. — In what longitude from Green¬ 
wich ? W.-Le. 

_ 

What do they form ? 5, What animals abound ? 6. What is saifl 

of the provinces of British America ? 7. By what people was Canada 
first settled ? 8. What has taken place since ? What has been eniov 
ed? 


* Britain, Brit' ’u. 






NEW BRITAIN. 


91 


- 67 - 

NEW BRITAIN. 


1. New Britain comprises that part of British America 
situated north of Canada and the United States. It contains 
more than three-fourths of the whole of the British posses¬ 
sions, and is divided by Hudson’s Bay into two unequal 
portions. 

2. The only trade in this region is that of fhrs, to facilitate 
which, the Hudson’s Bay Company have established forts and 
trading-houses in various quarters, extending from Hudson’s 
Bay westward, to the Pacific, and to the northward almost to 
the Arctic Ocean. The whole region is in consequence often 
called the Hudson’s Bay Company’s Territory. 



Beaver. 


Raccoon. 


3. The Beaver, Raccoon, Muskrat, and other animals, are eagerly 
hunted for their fiirs; the exports of which have amounted in some 
years to upwards of a million of dollars. 

4. The coast of Labrador, and the whole of the northern shores of 
this region, from Greenland westward to Bhering’s Strait, is inhabited 
by the Esquimaux, a race of savages differing essentially from the 
Indians, in form, disposition, and complexion. 

5. Among these people on the coast of Labrador, the Moravian 
Missionaries have established the settlements of Nain, Okkak, Hope 
dale, &c., and have partially improved their habits and condition. 

Map No. 4.—What territory on the east coast? Lr. — On the west? 
N.-Ca. — East of Hudson’s Bay? E.-Me.—West side? N.-N.-Ws. 
N.-S.-Ws.—On the coast of Baffin’s Bay? P.-W.-Ld.—West of the 

New Britain. Q.—1. What does New Britain comprise ? 2. What 
trade has it ? What company has established forts in various quarters ? 
3. What animals are hunted for their furs ? 4. What people inhabit 

the coast of Labrador and the Northern shores ? 5. What have the 

Missionaries established ? 








92 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


Gulf of Boothia? B.-Fx. — East of Bathurst Inlet? Va. — What 
large Bay in New Britain ? Hs.—How long and wide is it ?—Between 
New Britain and Greenland ? Bs. — How wide is it ? — Name the 
four largest Lakes in New Britain. G.-Br., G.-Se., Aa., Wg.—The 
length of each ?—What large river flows into the Polar Sea? Ms.— 
Its length?—What two rivers flow into lake Athabasca? Pe., Aa.— 
Their lengths ? — What river flows into Lake Winnipeg ? Sn. — Its 
length ? — What river connects Lake Winnipeg with Hudson’s Bay ? 
Nn.—Which are the principal forts ? Re., Rn., CL, Yk., Sn., Ay., Me. 
— The principal Indian tribes ? Cr., D.-Rb., Cs., Kx., B.-Ft., As. — 
What Mountains are in the west part of New Britain ? Ry. — Their 
length ?—Which are the two highest ? Bn., Hr.—The height of each ? 

- 68 - 

CANADA WEST* 

1. Canada West extends along the whole chain of the 
great lakes almost to the western extremity of Lake Supe¬ 
rior. The climate is generally healthy and salubrious. The 
summer heats are more moderate and the winters shorter 
and less rigorous than in the Eastern Province. 

2. The soil in the settled parts of the country is mostly very fertile, 
and yields abundant crops of g^ain, wheat, Indian corn, flax, &c. 
Tobacco is also cultivated in the south-western districts. 

3. The most important canals in British America are in Canada 
West; these are the Rideau and the Welland canals; the first ex¬ 
tends from the Ottawa river to Kingston. The Welland canal unites 
Lake Erie with Lake Ontario; both these works allow vessels of 125 
tons burthen to pass through. 

4. In this province, on the Niagara river, which connects Lake Erie 
with Lake Ontario, is the Falls of Niagara, 165 feet high. This is one 
of the most magnificent of Nature’s works. The noise of the cataract 
is heard, and the cloud of vapour which risC3 from it is seen, at the 
distance of several miles. 

5. Toronto and Kingston, on the northern shore of Lake Ontario, are 
the two principal towns of Canada West. Toronto, the largest, is 
pleasantly situated on a bay of the same name; it is regularly laid 
but, and has a number of handsome buildings. 

6. In the year 1841, Kingston became the capital of Canada, and 

^Canada West. Q.— 1. What is the extent of Canada West ? Of 
the chmate ? 2. The soil ? What does it yield ? 3. Canals in Canada 
West? 4. What great falls are in Canada West? How high are 
they ? 5. What is the Capital ? 6. The principal British naval station ? 

* Upper and Lower Canada long formed separate provinces, but 
were united in the year 1841, by Act of the British Parliament. At 
he same time the name of the Upper Province was changed to Canada 
West, and of the lower to Canada East, 






CANADA EAST. 


93 



Falls of Niagara. 


also of all British America; but the seat of government is now re¬ 
moved to Montreal. Niagara is a small toWn at the mouth of the 
Niagara river. Godeiieh, on the east shore of lake Huron, and Lon¬ 
don, on the river Thames, are the chief towns in the western part of 
the province. 

Map No. 5. —What lakes separate Canada West from the United 
States? Oo., Ee., Hn., Sr.—What river, in part, from New York? 
S.-Le.—What river from Canada East ? Oa.—What is the eastern 
part of Lake Huron called ? Me. —What Isles in the north part ? Me. 
—What Island in the western part of Lake Superior ? Re. —What is 
the length of Lakes Superior, Huron, Erie, and Ontario ? — On Map 
No. 14, tell who was defeated on the River Thames,* in 1813? Pr.— 
Who was killed there ? Th. He was a celebrated Indian chief. — On 
Map No. 11, tell what battles were fought in 1814, near the Falls of 
Niagara ? F.-Ee., Ca. 

- 69 - 

CANADA EAST. 

1. Canada East extends on both sides of the St. Law¬ 
rence river, from its mouth to the river Ottawa. The lower 
part of the province is rugged, cold and sterile; but the upper 
portion is fertile, well watered, and more moderate in tem¬ 
perature. All sections have, however, the climate of Sweden, 
though in the latitude of France. 

2. More than three-fourths of the inhabitants are of French 
origin; they speak the French language, and are all Catho- 

Canada East. Q. — 1. How far does Canada Fast extend ? 2. How 


* Thames . Temz. 
























DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


94 


lies. The remainder are mostly natives of Great Britain and 
iheir descendants, who are principally Protestants. 



Canadian Habitans. 


3. Education is much neglected, 
and the chief part of the people are 
very ignorant. The native French 
Canadians are called habitans. They 
are gay in their dispositions, cour¬ 
teous and polite in their manners, 
and strongly attached to their reli¬ 
gion and native country. 

4. Canada East produces wheat, 
Indian corn, and other grains com¬ 
mon to the northern parts of the 
United States. The exports are tim¬ 
ber, grain, flour, furs, pot and pear 
ashes, &c. 



City of Quebec. 


5. The city of Quebec was, until the year 1841, the capital of British 
America; it it. very otrongly fortified, and situated half in a plain along 
the River St. Lawrence, and the other half on a steep, perpendicular 
rock, 350 feet high. These are called the upper and lower towns. 

6. Montreal,* on Montreal Island, and 180 miles above Quebec, by 
the St. Lawrence river, is now the capital of Canada; it is the centre 
of the fur trade, and of the commerce with the United States. The 
town of the Three Rivers, on the north bank of the St. Lawrence river 
is the next in importance to Quebec and Montreal. William Henry, 
Chambly,t and St. John’s, are small towns on Sorellet River. 


many of the inhabitants are of French origin? What are the rest? 
3. What is said of education ? The character of the French Cana¬ 
dian ? 4. Produce ? Exports ? 5. What is Quebec ? 6 Montreal ? 

Name the other Towns. 


* Montreal , Mont-re-awV + Chambly , Shamb'-le. t Sorelle, Sor-el'. 















NEW BRUNSWICK. 


95 


Map No. 5 .—What country lies west of Canada East ? C.-Wt.— 
What two States lie south? N.-Yk., Vt.—What State lies east? Me. 

—The principal River ? S.-Le. Its length ? (This includes the Lakes.) 

—What Lake does the Saguenay flow from ? S.-Is. The length of 
the Saguenay ? The Ottawa ? What River unites Lakes Champlain 
and St. Peters ? Se.—The population of Quebec ? Of Montreal ? — 
What three Lakes are in Canada East ? S.-Js., S.-Ps., Tg. 

- 70 - 

NEW BRUNSWICK 

1. New Brunswick is situated to the east of the State of 
Maine, and to the north-west of Nova Scotia. Until the year 
1784 it was included within the limits of the latter, which at 
that period was divided into two separate provinces. 

2. This colony is but partially cleared, and contains exten¬ 
sive forests which furnish large quantities of excellent timber. 
The soil is generally of good quality, especially along the 
banks of the St. John’s and other rivers. 

3. The fisheries are a source of considerable wealth, and employ 
many of the inhabitants, the produce being with lumber the chief arti 
cles of export. Ship-building is carried on to a considerable ^tent. 

4. The Bay of Fundy, which separates this province from Nova 
Scotia, is remarkable for the great and rapid rise of its tides, which 
often attain the height of 70 feet. 

5. Frederickton, the seat of government, is situated some distance , 
up the river St. John’s. It is built chiefly of wood, and contains the 
government offices, several churches, and a college. 

6. The city of St. John’s is the most considerable place in New 
Brunswick, and has an extensive commerce. St. Andrew’s, at the head 
of Passamaquoddy Bay, is the next in trade and population. Chatham 
and New Castle are small towns on the Mirimichi River. 


Map No. 7.—Which is the chief river ? S.-Js.—What island lies 
near New Brunswick ? P-Es.—Gulf to the eastward ? S.-Le.—Two 
bays north-east? Cs., Mi.—Bay on the south ? Fy.—Peninsula south¬ 
east ? N.-Sa.—The population of St. John’s ? Of Frederickton ? St 
Andrew’s ? Chatham ? New Castle ? On what river is the city of 
St. John’s ? 


New Brunswick. Q.—1. How is New Brunswick situated ? In what 
was it included ? 2. What is said of the soil ? 3. The chief articles 

of export ? What is an important branch of industry ? 4. Of the Bay 

of Fundy ? 5. The Capital ? 6. St. Tohn’s ? St. Andrew’s ? 






)6 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


-71- 

NOVA SCOTIA. 

1. Nova Scotia was first settled by the French, and named 
by them Acadia. In 1763 it was conquered by Great Britain, 
and since that time has been called by its present name. 

2. It is a large peninsula, 280 miles long, and from 50 to 
100 broad. On the coast the soil is generally poor, but in the 
interior and northern parts it is well adapted to cultivation. 

3. Wheat and other grains, with potatoes of the finest quality, are 
raised to some extent. Coal, and gypsum, or plaster of paris, are found 
in vast quantities, and with fish, grindstones, &c., are largely exported , 
copper, iron, and various other minerals, also abound. 

4. Halifax, the capital, is situated on one of the finest harbours in the 
world, and contains the most extensive dock-yard in British America. 
Lunenburg, Liverpool, Yarmouth, and Pictou, are all places of some 
trade; from the latter, coal is shipped to the United States. 

5. Cape Breton Island. —Cape Breton is a large Island, 
separated from Nova Scotia by the Gut or Strait of Canso; 
it is ao^ut 110 miles in length, and from 30 to 80 in breadth, 
and is divided into two nearly equal portions by an arm of 
the sea called the Bras d’Or. 

6. Agriculture is in a backward state, the Cod Fishery attracting the 
chief industry of the people. This island was in 1820 politically at¬ 
tached to Nova Scotia, and sends two members to the House of Assembly. 

7. Louisburg, which the French carefully fortified, was once a place 
of great importance, but it is now entirely deserted ; and Sidney, a vil¬ 
lage of about 800 inhabitants, is all the capital Cape Breton possesses. 
Arechat, on Isle Madame, is the largest town belonging to Cape Breton. 


Map No. 7.—What Islands lie east and'south-east of Nova Scotia ? 
C.-Bn., Se.—What Island north? P. Es.—What separates Nova Scotia 
and Cape Breton? G.-Co.—What Ocean on the south-east? Ac.—What 
Bay on the north-west ? Fy. — What is the population of Halifax ? 
Lunenburg ? Liverpool ? Arechat ? Yarmouth ? 


Nova Scotia. Q.—1. By whom was Nova Scotia first settled ? What 
was its first name ? When was it conquered b> Great Britain ? 2. What 
is this Colony ? What is said of its soil? 3. its productions ? Its 
minerals ? 4. The capital and other towns ? 5. What is Cape Breton ? 

ifow is it divided ? 6. What is said of its agriculture, &c. ? When 

'"£K it aitaci'sd tc Nova Scotia ? 7 What is said of Louisburg, &c .1 






NEWFOUNDLAND 


97 


-72- 

1. Prince Edward’s Island. —Prince Edward’s is a fine 
fertile island in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, lying nearly parallel 
to the coasts of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. 

2. The soil is good and well adapted to agriculture, which is in a 
more improved state than in any of the neighbouring colonies. Char¬ 
lotte Town is the capital, with 3,500 inhabitants. There are several 
other small towns. 

NEWFOUNDLAND. 

3. Newfoundland is a large island, situated at the mouth 
of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and forming the most eastern part 
of British America. The soil is mostly barren, and the timber 
scanty and of small size. 

4. It owes its importance to its Cod fisheries, which are the 
most valuable in the world. The fish are caught in vast 
numbers upon certain shallow places in the sea in the vicinity 
of the island, called the Banks of Newfoundland. 

5. A great number of vessels and men (chiefly American and French) 
here find employment, while the inhabitants of the island carry on their 
fisheries along the shore. 

6. The fishing business is dangerous, but profitable, it is an ad 
mirable nursery for the hardy seamen of the New England states, ana 
furnishes us with an important article of export to other countries. 
The Seal fishing has of late years attracted much attention. • 

7. St. John’s is the principal place in the island; the houses are all 
built of wood, and the town has in consequence suffered severely from 
fires. Harbour Grace is, next to St. John’s, the most important town. 


Map No. 7. —What separates Prince Edward’s Island from New 
Brunswick ? Nd.-St.—What bounds Newfoundland on the east ? A. 
On. — On the west ? G. S.-Le.—What Strait separates it from Labra¬ 
dor ? Be.—What banks arc near the Island? How long and wide 
,s the Grand Bank ? Newfoundland ? What is the population of St 
John’s ? Of Harbour Grace ? Of Placentia ? 


Prince Edward's Island. Q. —1. What is Prince Edward’s Island ? 
2. What is said of the soil and agriculture ? The capital, &c. ? 

Newfoundland. Q.—3. What is Newfoundland ? 4. To what does 

t owe its importance ? 5. What are they called ? Who find employ¬ 
ment there? 6. What is said of the fishing business, <fes. ? What 
\>es it furnish us with ? 7. Describe St. John’s. Harbou" Grace* 

N 






98 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


-73-- 

UNITED STATES. 



1. The United States form one government, comprising 
thirty states, five territories, and one federal district. They 
occupy the most valuable and productive part of North 
America, and rank amongst the most powerful, commercial, 
and wealthy nations of the globe. 

2. They are distinguished for the freedom and excellence 
of their political institutions, the rapid increase of the popula* 
tion, and for the intelligence, industry, and enterprise of the 
inhabitants. 

3. The territory of the United States is very extensive ,* it 
ranges through 26 degrees of latitude, and ^8 degrees of 
longitude. The frontier outline has an extent of more than 
10,000 miles, and a line drawn from north-west to south-east 
would measure 2800 miles. 

4. In so vast a region there is of course included a great 
variety of surface, soil, and climate. It is well watered by 
noble streams, which not only give fertility to their borders 

United States. Q. — 1. What do the United States form? Com- 
prising what ? What do they occupy ? 2. For what are they distin¬ 

guished ? 3. What is said of the territory ? 4. What does it include ? 



















UNITED STATES. 


99 


but are ready to carry the gifts of the earth to the ocean, and 
to bring back to the inhabitants the products of other climes. 

5. The soil returns an ample harvest for all that is planted 
m it, and the climate is favourable to nearly every production 
of the earth, that can sustain life or increase its luxuries. 

6. Agriculture is the leading pursuit in this country. The eastern 
states are devoted to grazing, and the dairy; the middle and western 
to the raising of wheat, Indian corn, &c.; and the southern states, to 
cotton, tobacco, sugar, and rice. Slave labour is chiefly employed in 
the southern and some of the western states. 

7. The United States are richly supplied with valuable minerals 
Gold, the most precious, and iron, the most useful of metals, with lead, 
coal, salt, and lime, all exist, most of them in great abundance ; while 
beautiful and durable building materials are furnished by the extensive 
quarries of the different sections of tire Union. 

8. The manufactures are already extensive, and are rapidly increas¬ 
ing : they yield in value, annual'y, near 400 millions of dollars; and 
with the products of the agriculture, the forests, the mines, and the 
fisheries, amount yearly to almost 1300 million dollars. 

9. The commerce is, next to that of Great Britain, the largest in the 
world; it extends to all parts of the earth, and embraces the products 
and manufactures of all nations. The number of vessels that enter and 
depart from the ports of the United States, amounts from 22,000 to 
25,000 every year. 

-_74- 

10. The Fisheries are highly important, and are carried on mostly 
by the New Englan 1 states : they embrace chiefly the whale, cod, and 
mackerel fisheries, and employ upwards of 36,000 men, the products 
amount to from 10 to 12 millions of dollars, annually. 

11. The whale fishery alone employs upwards of 650 vessels, and 
16,000 men. The ships employed in this important business are absent 
frequently two and three years at a time. 

12. No part of the world presents such an extensive inland com 
merce as that of the United States. Steam vessels navigate all the 
principal rivers, lakes, bays, &c. The Mississippi river and its tribu¬ 
taries alone are traversed by near 400 steamboats, all of which make 
several voyages every year. 

13. The employment of Steam Power is probably greater in this 
country than in any other part of the world, and forms one of the prin- 

How is it watered ? 5. What of the soil ? Climate ? 6. Agriculture ? 
The eastern states ? The middle and western ? Southern ? 7. Wh^t 

of the minerals ? 8. Manufactures ? Their value and the capital em¬ 
ployed ? 9. The commerce ? 10. The fisheries ? 11. Whale fishery ? 

12. The inland commerce ? The Mississippi, &c. ? 13. Of the em- 





100 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 



cipal elements of American prosperity. 1,300 steamboats have been 
built since the year 1807, of which 800 now exist; and the number 
of steam-engines in the United States cmplcyed in steamboats, loco¬ 
motive rail-road cars, and for various manufacturing purposes, is not 
less than 3,000. 

14. The Americans have surpassed all other nations in the number 
and extent of their canals and rail-roads; the united length of the 
former is not less than 4,200 miles, the whole of which, with one or 
two exceptions, have been executed in less than twenty years. 

15. The rail-roads, all constructed within the last fifteen years, amount 
to an aggregate of 5,300 miles, over which carriages are propelled by 
locomotive steam-engines at the rate of from 20 to 30 miles an hour. 

16. The United States are more distinguished for the general diffu¬ 
sion of knowledge, than for eminence in literature and science. Com. 
mon school education is more widely extended than in any other part 
of the world, and there are numerous seminaries of learning through¬ 
out the country, though there are no universities and colleges on so 
large a scale as some in Europe. 

17. The general government of the United States has done but lit 
tie for the promotion of public instruction; but most of the states have 
made legislative provision, and some have large funds set apart, for 
that purpose. The first settler's of New England paid a very laudable 
attention to this important subject; and so early as the year 1628, a 
law was passed for the education of every child in the colonies. 


ployment of steam ? Hew many steamboats ? 14. What is said of the 

Americans ? Of canals ? 15. Rail-roads ? 16. Of the United States ? 

Common school education ? Seminaries of learning ? 17. The general 























UMT.l 'i SJ VIES. 


101 


-75- 

18. Thc^o is no established church in the United States, 
-eligion being left to the voluntary choice of the people; yet 
m all the well-settled parts of the Union, religious instruction 
and observances are as faithfully dispensed and performed as 
in any other country in the world. 

19. The great body of the people are attached to the various sects 
belonging to the Protestant faith: of these the Baptists, Methodists, 
Presbyterians, and Episcopalians, stand first as to numbers There 
are also many Catholics, Universalists, Lutherans, Unitarians, and 
Friends, or Quakers. 

20. The United States is a Federal Republic. Each state is intk*. 
pendent in its local affairs; but the defence of the country, the regula¬ 
tion of commerce, and all the general concerns of the Union, are 
committed by the Constitution to a general government. 

21. The government comprises three distinet powers, the Legisla¬ 
tive, Judicial, and Executive branches: the first named power makes 
the laws, the second expounds, and the last executes them. 

22. The Legislative power is vested in a Congress consisting of a 
Senate and House of Representatives. The Senate consists of two 
members from each state, who are elected for six years, one-third of 
the number being changed every two years. The members of the 
House of Representatives are elected by the people for two years. 

23. The Judicial power is composed of a Supreme Court of one 
chief and eight associate Judges, who are appointed by the President, 
with the advice and consent of the Senate, and hold their offices during 
life or good behaviour. 

24. The Executive power is vested in a President, who, together 
with the Vice-President, is chosen for four years by electors from all 
the states. The principal subordinate officers of the executive depart¬ 
ment are the Secretary of State, of the Treasury, of War, and of the 
Navy, the Post-Master General, and the Attorney-General. They are 
all removable at the will of the President; and, with the Vice-Presi¬ 
dent, form the Cabinet. 

25. The inhabitants of the United States amount to at least twenty 
millions, of which the black or coloured races form one-sixth part. The 
Indians number- about 300,000, but are not usually considered as form 
ing a part of the population of the Union. 


Government ? Of the first settlers in New England ? 18. Established 
Church ? 19. To what are the great body of the people attached ? 

What are they ? 20. What is the United States ? 21. What is said of 
the government? 22. Of the legislative power ? House of Represent¬ 
atives ? Senate ? 23. The judicial power ? 24. Executive power ? 
*1 he subordinate officers ? What do they form ? 25. What may the 




102 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


26. This amount, in proportion to the vast territory over which it is 
spread, is small, compared with the dense population of some of the 
European states; but when it is considered that the inhabitants of the 
colonies 100 years ago numbered but 1,000,000, it presents the most 
striking instance of national growth to be found in the history of man¬ 
kind. 

-76- 

27. The United States were formerly colonies or provinces of Great 
Britain. In the year 1775 there were thirteen colonies, with a popular 
tion of nearly three millions of people. At that time they took up arms 
for the purpose of separating themselves from the mother country. 

28. They were incited to this by the injustice of Great Britain, who 
taxed the people of the colonies without their consent, and passed 
various oppressive laws, to whfoh they would not submit. 



Battle of Lexington. 


29. The first battle between the Colonists and the British troops, 
took place at Lexington, Massachusetts, April 19th, 1775. On the 4th 
of July, 1776, they declared themselves independent, under the title of 
the United States of America. 

30. The efforts of Great Britain to subdue the country were great,' 
and the struggle which ensued was long and bloody; but animated by a 
Icve of liberty, and led by Washington and other gallant and patriotic 


inhabitants be estimated at ? The blacks ? Indians ? 26. How does 

it compare with the population of some European states ? 27. What 

were the United States formerly ? When did they take up arms ? 
28. Why were they incited to this ? 29. Wbn and where did the 
first battle take place? Whdf did they do on the 4th of July, 1776? 
30. What is said of Great Britain ? Of General Washington ? The 


















UNITED STATES. 103 

feaders, the people of the United States, after a war of eight years, 
expelled the British, and established their independence. 



Resignation of General Washington. 


31. At the close of the Revolutionary War, the American Army, 
though suffering great privations, disbanded, without violence or disor¬ 
der; and the Commander-in-Chief, General Washington, resigned the 
almost absolute power he possessed to the authority that conferred it, 
thus presenting to the world the rare example of a great military chief 
descending voluntarily to the rank of a private citizen. 

32. The Constitution of the United States was framed and adopted 
in 1789, and has since been amended. It secures to the people the 
grand principles of freedom, liberty of conscience in matters of reli¬ 
gion, liberty of the press, trial by jury, and the right of choosing and 
of being chosen to office. The Presidents of the United States since 
the adoption of the Constitution, are as follows : 


33. X. George Washington, of Virginia, from 1789 to 1797—8 years. 


2. 

John Adams, 

Mass. 

1797 to 1801-4 

3 . 

Thomas Jefferson, 

Virginia, 

1801 to 1809—8 

4 . 

James Madison, 

Virginia, 

1809 to 1817-8 

5 . 

James Monroe, 

Virginia, 

1817 to 1825—8 

6. 

John Quincy Adams, 

Mass. 

1825 to 1829 -4 

7. 

Andrew Jackson, 

Tennessee, 

1829 to 1837-8 

8. Martin Van Buren, 

New York, 

1837 to 1841-4 

9. Wm, Henry Harrison, 

Ohio, 

1841 one month. 

10. 

John Tyler, 

Virginia, 

1841 to 1845—4 years. 

11. 

James K. Polk, 

Tennessee, 

1845 


people of the United States ? 31. The American army ? The com¬ 
mander in chief? 32. The Constitution ? What does it secure to the 
people ? 33. How many Presidents have there been ? Who were from 
Virginia? Massachusetts? Tennessee? New York? Ohio? IIow 
many years did each serve ? 





















104 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGR 4.PHY. 


-77- 

Map No. 5.—How are the United States bounded ? 

On the North? the South? the East? the West? 

What is the capital of the United States ? Wn. 

The capitals of countries, the scholar will perceive by the explana¬ 
tion on the map, are made by a lafge dot with eight small ones around 
it, and the capitals of states on Maps Nos. 4 and 5, are made by a 
small ring or circle with a dot in the middle of it. 

Which are the six Eastern States ? Me., N.-H., Vt., Ms., R.-I., Ct \ 

Point out their capitals. 

Which are the four Middle States ? N.-Y., N.-J., Pa., De. 

Point out their capitals. 

Which are the ten Southern States ? Md., Va., N.-C., S.-C., Ga., FI. 
Aa., Mi., La., Ts. 

Point out their capitals. 

Which are the ten Western States ? As., Te., Ky., Mo., Is., Ia., Oo., 
Mn., Wn., Ia. 

Point out their capitals. 

Which are the Territories ? Wn., Ia., In., Mo., On. 

The new States of Wisconsin and Iowa, formed in 1846, comprise 
portions of the Territories of the same name; the remainder of these 
Territories may still be considered as distinct districts, but are yet 
without organized governments. 

How many States are there ? How many Territories ? 

Besides the States and Territories, there is the District of Columbia, 
which contains the seat of Government, so that the whole of the divi¬ 
sions of the United States are 36 in number. 


Where is lake Superior ? L. Huron ? L. Michigan ?* L. Erie ?t 
Ontario ? L. Champlain U L. of the Woods ? Tell the length of 
each Lake. 

Which two are wholly in the United States ? Mn., Cn. 

Where is Manitouline Lake ? Moosehead L. ? Chesuncook L. ? 
Timiscouata L.? L. Memphramagog?§ L. George? L. Okee-cfro- 
,»ee ? L. Pontchartrain ? || L. Pepin ? Itasca L. ? The Mississippi 
lows from this Lake. Where is Rainy Lake ? Red L. ? St. Croix 
L. ? Winnebago L. ? Flat Bow L. ? Kulluspelm L. ? 


* Michigan , Mish'-e-gan. t Erie, E'-re. t Champlain , Sham' 
>lane. f Memphramagog , Mem-fra-ma-gog'. g Pontchartrain , Pou- 
4iar-trane'. V St. Croix . Saint Croy'. 






UNITED STATES. 


105 


-78- 

Map N). 5 .—Where is Passamaquoddy Bay ? Penobscot B. ? Casco 
B. ? New York B. ? Delaware B. ? Chesapeake B. ? Chatham B. ? 
Tampa B. ? Apalachee* B. ? Pensacola B. ? Mobile + B. ? Black 
B. ? Barataria B. ? Galveston B. ? Matagorda B. ? Espiritu Santo B. ? 
N ueces B. ? 

On the Great Lakes, where is Saginaw B. ? Thunder B. ? Green B. ? 
Where is Long Island Sound ? Albemarle S. ? Pamlico S. ? 

How many miles long are each of these ? also Chesapeake Bay ?— 
See Map No. 11. 

Where is the Mississippi River ? Where does it rise ? 

Where does it empty ? How many miles long is it ? 

What are its chief tributaries, and their lengths ? 

Where is the Missouri River? Yellow Stone R.? Big Horn R.? 
Platte t or Nebraska R. ? KanzasR. ? Arkansas R. ? Canadian R. ? 
Red R. ? Osage R. ? Des Moines R. ? St. Peter’s R. ? Wisconsin 
R. ? Rock R. ? Illinois § R. ? 

Where is the Wabash R. ? Maumee R. ? Ohio R.? Alleghany 
R. ? Monongahela R. ? Kanawha R. ? Cumberland R. ? Tennessee 
R. ? White R. ? Washita || R. ? Yazoo R. ? 

Where is the Rio Grande del Norte? Nueces R.? Colorado R.? 
Brazos R. ? Trinity R. ? Sabine R. ? Pearl R. ? Tombigby R. ? 
Alabama R.? Chattahoochee R. ? St. John’s R. ? Fa.—Alatamaha 
R. ? Savannah R. ? Santee R. ? Great Pedee R. ? C. Fear R. ? 
Neuse IT R. ? Tar R. ? Roanoke R. ? James R. ? Potomac R. ? 
Susquehanna R. ? Delaware R. ? Hudson R. ? Mohawk R. ? 

Where is the St. Lawrence R. ? Connecticut R. ? Merrimack R. ? 
Kennebec R. ? Penobscot R. ? St. John’s R. ? Me. 

Where is the Oregon or Columbia R. ? Lewis R. ? Clark’s R. ? 
Frazer’s R. ? Klamet R. ? Tell how long each of these rivers is. 

Where is Cape Cod ? C. Malabar ? C. Charles ? C. Henry ? C 
Hatteras ? C. Fear ? C. Lookout ? C. Cannaveral ? C. Sable ? C 
Romans ? C. St. Bias ?** 

Where is Mt. Desert Island ? Nantucket I. ? Martha’s Vineyard ? 
Long I. ? Florida Reefs ? These are low sandy islands. 

Where are the Tortugas Islands ? Manitouline tt Isles ? Grand I.? 
I. Royale ? The Apostles ? The four last are in the Great Lakes. 
Where is Quadra and Vancouver’s Island ? How long is it ? 


* Apalachee, Ap-a-lash-e'. f Mobile, Mo-beel'. t Platte, Plat- 

§ Illinois, Ill-e-noy'. |j Washita, Wash-e-taw'. V Neuse. Nuse. 

■* St . Bias , Saint Blaw' Manitouline, Man-e-tu'-lin. 

O 





106 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


-79- 

Map No. 5. —Where is Mt. Rainier* ? Mt. St. Helens ? Mt. Hood 7 
Mt. Jefferson ? Mt. Olympus! ? 

How high are the two first ? 

Where are the Rocky Mts. ? How long are they ? 

Where is Fremont’s Peak ? Long’s ? Pike’s ? How high arc 
they ? 

Where are the Ozark Mts., and what is their height ? 

Where are the Cumberland Mts. ? Alleghany Mts. ? Their length 
and height ? 

Where is the Blue Ridge ? Blue Mts. ? Green Mts. ? White Mts. ? 
Black Hills ? Where is Black Mt. ? &c. &c. ? 

The three Butes ? The three Tetons ? The last are said by some 
to be the highest mountains in the United States; but this is uncer¬ 
tain. Fremont’s Peak is the highest known. 

Where is the South Pass ? This remarkable Pass is a gap of about 
20 miles wide, in the Rocky Mountains. It forms a most convenient 
passage for travellers to and from Oregon. 

What seven Cities in the United States number 30,000 inhabitants 
and upwards ? Bn., N.-Y., Ay., Pa., Be., Ci., N.-Os. 

What eight Cities number from 20,000 to 30,000 ? LL, Pe., Rr., 
Wn., Le., Rd., Pg., Cn. 

What twelve Cities have from 10,000 to 20,000 ? Pd., Sin., N.-Hn., 
Ty., Ua., Bo., Nk., S.-Ls., Nk., Pg., Sh., Me. 

How far is it from New Jersey to Portugal ? 

From New Jersey to the Azores ? 

From Chesapeake Bay to Portugal ? 

From Cape Hatteras to the Strait of Gibraltar ? 

From Charleston to Madeira ? From Savannah to Bermuda ? 

From Florida to Morocco ? From Florida to the Canary Islands ? 

How long and wide is the Atlantic Ocean ? 

The Gulf of Mexico ? the Pacific Ocean ?— See Map No. 5. 

Map of the Learner's own State. —In what State do you live ? Is it 
one of the Eastern, Middle, Southern, or Western States ? How is your 
State bounded ? What rivers has it ? Tell what they are. Does it 
contain any mountains ? If so, what are they called ? Is your State 
on the sea-coast, or in the interior, at a distance from it? Does it con¬ 
tain any Bays, Sounds, Islands, or Capes ? What is the Capital of your 
Slate ? What is the Capital of a State ? 269, page 33. In what 
county do you live ? Point it out on the map. How is it bounded ? 
How long and wide is it? You can tell this by the scale of miles. 
What is a County ? 266. 


Rah ier , Ray-neer'. 


f Olympus , Ol-imp'-us 





EASTERN STATES. 


107 


EASTERN STATES. 





'vi/hale - n*.htvcV 


-so- 

1. The Eastern, or New England States, are situated 
eastward of the Hudson river. They are Maine, New 
Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Con¬ 
necticut. 

2. The surface of New England is greatly varied ; much 
of the soil is good, yet, in general, it requires diligent cultiva¬ 
tion, and compels the farmer to use considerable industry to 
procure good crops. 

3. Horses, cattle, sheep, and hogs, are reared in great 
numbers; and grass, Indian corn, wheat, rye, oats, barley, 
flax, and hemp, are extensively cultivated. The principal 
fruits are apples, pears, peaches, plums, &c. 

4. The manufactures of the Eastern States are very ex¬ 
tensive, and embrace a great variety of articles. The cotton 
and woollen factories employ numerous individuals, and a 

New England. Q. — 1. Which are the New England states ? 2. 
What is said of the surface and soil ? What does it require ? 3 

What are reared in great numbers ? What is extensively cultivated ? 
Which are the principal fruits ? 4, What is said of the manufactures? 

























DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


108 

large amount of capital. Since the manufacturing system 
has prevailed, this part of the United States has increased 
rapidly in population and wealth. Rail-roads are numerous 
and well conducted. • 

5. The New Englanders are extensively engaged in com¬ 
merce, and in the cod, mackerel, and whale iisheries, which 
train great numbers of experienced and intrepid seamen. 

6. The inhabitants of the Eastern States are almost exclusively of 
unmixed English origin; and, from the earliest settlement of their coun¬ 
try, have been used to habits of industry, economy, and enterprise. 

7. They have always been a religious people. Among them the 
Sabbath is strictly observed, and all classes generally attend public 
worship. It is considered disreputable for a man to have no religious 
belief; and there are few individuals who are not connected with some 
religious society. 

8. Education is more general than in any other part of the world; 
and large funds have been set apart by the different State Legislatures 
for the support of common schools. It is rare to find in any part of 
the Eastern States, persons of mature age, who a ri ignorant of reading, 
writing, and arithmetic. 


-81- 

9. Institutions of learning were established, at an early 
period, by the first settlers of New England; some of which, 
at the present day, are among the most respectable and effi¬ 
cient in the Union. Many of the most distinguished men in 
the United States have been educated at Harvard and Yale 
Colleges. 

10. The people of New England were, at an early period, noted for 
their republican principles, and were the first to resist the tyranny of 
the British Government. The destruction of the tea in Boston har¬ 
bour, and the battles of Lexington and Bunker’s Hill, were among the 
first events that led to the independence of the United States. 


5. What are the New Englanders engaged in ? 6. What are the in. 

habitants ? To what have they been trained ? 7. What have the in¬ 

habitants always been ? What do all classes generally attend ? What 
is considered disreputable? 8. What is said of public instruction? 
What is rare to find ? 

9. What was established at an early period ? What are they at 
the present day ? 10. For what were they noted ? What wero they 

the first to resist ? What were the first events that led to the inde 
pendence of the United States 7 





EASTERN STATES. 


109 



Harvard University. 

Map No. 8.—Which are the New England States ? Me., N.-H., Vt, 
Ms., R.-I., Ct. — Which extends farthest north and east? Me.— 
Which farthest south and west? Ct. — Which is the largest state? 
Me. — The second in extent ? Vt. — Third ? N.-H. — Fourth ? Ms. 
— Fifth ? Ct. — Smallest ? R.-I. — These states extend from lati¬ 
tude 41 degrees to 48. — How many degrees of latitude then do they 
include ? They extend east and west from degrees, to 10 east longi¬ 
tude from Washington.—How many degrees then of longitude do 
they include? Which is the largest river in New England? Ct.— 
The next ? Ft. — What river is partly in Maine and partly in New- 
Brunswick ? S.-Js. — How long are these rivers ? Which is the 
largest lake wholly in the Eastern States ? Md. — How long is it ? 
—What lake is partly in New England and partly in the state lying 
west of it ? Cn. — How long is this lake ? Lake Champlain is navi¬ 
gable for vessels of large burthen. During the war of the Revolution, 
and that of 1812, naval battles were fought upon it. Commodore 
M’Donough’s victory, in which the whole British fleet was captured, 
took place September 11th, 1814. Which is the highest mountain in 
New England ? Wn.—Which is the next highest? Kn.—The next? 
Md. — How high are each of these mountains ? — Which are the 
three principal Islands in New England ? M.-Dt., Nt., M.-Vd.—Which 
state has the greatest extent of sea-coast ? Me. — Which has the 
smallest? N.-H.—Which has no sea-coast? Vt.—How many miles 
is it from Maine to Nova Scotia ? — To Spain ? — To Circassia ? — 
From Massachusetts to Italy? — To Turkey? — From Long Island 
to Greece ? In what year did the Pilgrims emigrate to New England ? 
What was the name of the vessel ? Mr. — How many miles is if 
from Boston to Halifax ? To Liverpool ? Total distance ? 


























no 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


— 82 — 

MAINE. 



Lumber Yard, &c. 


1. Maine comprises about one-half of the area of New 
England. Before the year 1820, it formed a part of the State 
of Massachusetts, under the title of the District of Maine. 

2. The soil is various; much of it is fertile, but in general 
it is better adapted for grazing than tillage. One of the chief 
products is lumber, of which there was cut and sawed in 1840, 
to the amount of near two million dollars. 

3. The coast is remarkably indented with bays and har¬ 
bours, affording great facilities for commerce and the fisheries, 
which the inhabitants have not failed to improve. 

4. They are also largely engaged in ship-building and 
navigation, and export vast quantities of lumber, fish, beef, 
pork, grain, &c.; together with a considerable amount of ice- 
to the West Indies and the Southern States. 

5. By a partial construction of the treaty of 1783, nearly 
a third part of Maine was long claimed by Great Britain. 
In the year 1842, a treaty was formed, by which the boundary 


Maine . Q. —1. What does Maine comprise ? What did it form a part 
of before 1820 ? 2. What is said of the soil ? 3. Of the coast? 4. What 
are the exports ? 5. What power long claimed one-third of Maine 


















MAINE, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 


Ill 


line was established, and the British claim much restricted. 
The right to navigate the river St. John’s to che sea was also 
obtained by the people of the United States. 

6. Augusta, the capital, is on the Kennebec river, 50 miles from its 
mouth: it contains a handsome State House, of granite, and a United 
Sites’ Arsenal. Portland, on Casco Bay, is the largest and most im¬ 
portant town in the state; it is well laid out, and handsomely built, 
and has an extensive foreign and coasting trade. 

' 7. Bangor, on the Penobscot river, 50 miles from the sea, has trebled 
its papulation since 1830. Its trade in lumber is very extensive. Bath 
is noted for its ship-building, and Thomaston for its exports of lime, 
marble, and granite. Gardiner, Hallowell, Eastport, Belfast, Bruns 
wick, Bristol, Saco,* W ells, and York, are all flourishing towns. 


Map No. 8.—What country bounds Maine on the east? N.-Bk.— 
On the west ? C. Et. and N. H. —What ocean on the south ? Ac. — 
Which are the five principal rivers that flow into the Atlantic Ocean ? 
S.-Cx., Pt., Kc., An., So. How long are they ? —What river rises in 
the centre of Maine and flows into New Brunswick ? S.-.Ts. How 

.ong is it?—Which are the three principal Lakes? Md.,Ck., Gd. How 
long are the two first ?—The principal mountain, and its height ? Kn. 
—The largest island ? M.-Dt.—Which is the most eastern county? 
Wn.—The most ivestern ? Od.—The most southern ? Yk.—In what 
county, and on what river, is the capital situated ? Kc., Ke. —Which 
are the four largest towns, and their population ? Pd., Br., Aa., Tn.— 
How many miles is it from Maine to Nova Scotia? To spain ? To 
Circassia? What boundary in the northern part of the state ? What 
in the middle ? What boundary formerly separated the state from 
Canada East. What boundary extends from L. Pohenagamook to 
the N. W. branch of the St. John’s ? 

-83- 

NEW HAMPSHIRE. 

1. New Hampshire is often called the Switzerland of 
America, on account of its beautiful and varied scenery, its 
mountains, lakes, rivers, cascades, &c. It is also called the 
granite state, from the great quantities of that rock found 
in it. 

2 . The sea-coast of New Hampshire is only 18 miles is 

What occurred in the year 1842 ? 6. What is said of Augusta? O* 

Portland ? 7. Of Bangor ? and the other towns ? 

New Hampshire. Q. — 1. What is New Hampshire often called 
Why ? By what other name also ? Why ? 2. What is said of the sea 


* Saco , Saw'-co 







DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


112 

extent, and it has but a small share of commerce ,* but it is 
distinguished for its productive agriculture and flourishing 
manufactures. 


3. The country on the coast is level; m the interior, the 
surface is greatly diversified by hills and valleys, and moun¬ 
tains of considerable height. 



White Mountains. 


Among these are the White Mountains, the most elevated 
of any in New England. They ai ; e distinguished by the 
names of Washington, Franklin, Adams, Jefferson, Madison, 
Monroe, &c. 

4. The White Mountains are covered with snow for ten months in 
the year, and are seen from a great distance at sea. The wuld and 
sublime character of the scenery causes them to be often visited. 

5. Concord, the capital of the state, is on the right bank of the Mer- 
rimack river; it is a pleasant and flourishing town, and contains the 
State House, State Prison, and other buildings. It is connected with 
Boston by a rail-road. Portsmouth, the only sea-port in the state, 
an the Piscataqua river, three miles from the sea. It has a fine bar 
bour, and contains a United States’ Navy-Yard. 

6. At Hanover, is Dartmouth college, a respectable and flourishing 
institution. Dover, Somersworth, New Market, Exeter, Nashua, and 


coast ? Commerce ? Agriculture and Manufactures ? 3. What is 
said of the country ? The White Mountains ? How are they distin¬ 
guished ? 4. What causes them to be often visited ? 5. Describe 

Concord. Portsmouth. 6. Where is Dartmouth College ? What is 
nid of Dover and other towns ? 















VERMONT. 113 

Manchester, are all largely engaged in manufactures. Haverhill, 
Lancaster, Amherst, and Keene, are thriving towns. 

Map No. 8.—What river separates New Hampshire from Vermont? 
Ct. — How long is it ? — What river runs through the centre of the 
state ? Mk.* — How long is it? — What lake flows into it? We. — 
How long is it? — What mountains are in Coos county? We.— 
Which is the principal? Wn. — How high is it?—Which is the 
principal town and its population ? Ph.—The Capital and its popula¬ 
tion ? Cd. — On what river is Concord ? Mk. — Which is the mos 
northern county ? Cs. — The three most southern counties ? Ce. t 
Hh., Rm. — In what county is the Capital ? Mk. — What counties 
contain each two county towns ? Rm., Sd., Gn. (County towns are 
distinguished by a ring with a dot in it.) 


-84- 

VERMONT. 



Raft on Lake Champlain. 


1. Vermont is a mountainous but healthful and productive 
state. The Green Mountains, from which it derives its name, 
extend through it from North to South, dividing it into tw 
nearly equal sections. 

2. The soil is fertile, and all kinds of grain, suited to the 
climate, are produced in abundance. Cattle of various kinds 

Vermont. Q. — 1. What is Vermont? What is said of the Green 


* This river is formed by the Pemigewasset and Winnipiseogee 
The latter is the outlet of the lake of that name. 

F 


























DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRATIIY 


114 

are raised with great facility; the beef, butter, and cheese, 
are well known for their excellence, and wool is an important 
product. 

3. This state is entirely in the interior, yet, by Lake Cham¬ 
plain, and the Canal of the same name, steam-boiUs and 
other vessels have brought its territory into connection with 
the sea. 

4. Part of the trade of Vermont goes by the canal to Albany, and 
part down Lake Champlain to Montreal. Immense rafts of timber, 
containing houses for lodging the crews, are often seen sailing up the 
lake towards the canal, on their way to Albany, and the towns on the 
Hudson. 

5. The territory forming this state was first explored by the French 
from Canada, but was settled by the English more than a hundred years 
ago. During the revolutionary war, Vermont acted a conspicuous part, 
and the name of Green Mountain Boys, acquired by the bravery of her 
soldiers, has ever been regarded as a title of renown. 

6. Montpelier, the capital of the state, is a neat little town on the 
Onion river. Burlington is the largest place in the state, and the most 
commercial town on Lake Champlain. It contains the University of 
Vermont. This place is 38 miles west from Montpelier. 

7. Bennington, in the southwest corner of the State, is celebrated 
for the victory obtained by General Stark, in 1777, over a detachment 
of Hessians belonging to Burgoyne’s army. 

8. Middlebury and Rutland, on Otter creek, and Brattleboro’, Nor¬ 
wich, and Windsor, on the Connecticut river, are small but flourishing 
towns; the latter contains the Norwich University. Middlebury is the 
seat of Middlebury College. 


Map No. 8. —What river bounds Vermont on the east ? Ct. —What 
state does it separate from Vermont? N.-H.—What Lake bounds 
Vermont on the west ? Cn. —What state does it separate from Ver¬ 
mont ? N.-Y. —What country lies north of Vermont ? Ca. —What 
state lies south ? Ms. —What four streams flow into Lake Champlain ? 
Me., L.-Me., On., Or. —What two Islands are in Lake Champlain ? 
N.-Ho., S.-Ho.—These, with a small peninsula lying north of them, 
form the county of Grand Isle.—What Lake is partly in this state and 
partly in Canada ? Mg. —What mountains extend through the state ? 
Gn.—Which is the highest peak? Md. — How high is it?—Whai 
other peaks ? C.-Rp., Kn. — When was the battle of Bennington 

fought ? What rivers flow into the Connecticut ? 

Mountains ? 2. Of the soil ? Cattle, &c. ? 3. What is said of th« 
State ? 4. Of the trade ? Of the rafts on Lake Champlain ? 5. Th« 
Revolutionary War ? 6. Describe Montpelier. 7. Bennington. 8. Ant- 
other towns. 




MASSACHUSETTS. 


115 


85 



British troops evacuating Boston. 


MASSACHUSETTS. 

1. Massachusetts is the oldest and most important of the 
New England States. It is the most thickly settled section 
of the Union, and is distinguished for the enterprise and pub¬ 
lic spirit of its citizens. 

2. The agriculture is conducted with skill and intelligence; but 
commerce, manufactures, and the fisheries, are the great objects of 
pursuit. The shipping amounts to nearly one-third of the whole owned 
in the United States, including a large proportion of the whaling ves¬ 
sels. Massachusetts is the leading State in railroads, and a greater 
number centre in Boston than in any other city of the Union. 

3. The literary, religious, and charitable institutions of Massachu¬ 
setts, are important, and in a flourishing condition. Harvard Univen- 
sity, at Cambridge, is the oldest and best endowed literary establishment 
in the Union. Williams College, at Williamstown, and Amherst Col 
lege, at Amherst, are also respectable institutions. 


Massachusetts. Q.— 1. What is Massachusetts? For what is it 
distinguished ? 2. What is said of the agriculture ? Commerce ? 
Manufactures ? Fisheries ? Shipping ? Railroads ? 3. What is 
said of literary and other institutions? Of Harvard University 7 































116 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


4. This State contains a number of flourishing towns and 
villages, many of which are distinguished for the neatness oi 
their buildings, and the elegance of their churches. 

5. Boston, the Capital of the State, is situated on a peninsula at the 
head of Massachusetts Bay. This city is considered the literary and 
commercial metropolis of New England. Its shipping amounts to 
more than one-eighth of the whole tonnage of the Union, and its trade 
extends to all parts of the world. This city is noted for the number 
and elegance of its public buildings, among which are the State House, 
the New Market House, Tremont House, the Hospital, &c. 

6. The American Revolution commenced in Boston. Its port wa9 
closed in 1774, by order of the British Government, and a garrison 
placed in it. It was, in consequence, besieged by the Americans under 
General Washington, who compelled the British to leave the town. 

7. Charlestown is connected with 
Boston by three bridges. It is situated 
on a peninsula, the centre of which is 
occupied by Bunker Hill, celebrated for 
the battle fought on it during the re¬ 
volutionary war. The Bunker Hill 
Monument, built of granite, is 220 feet 
high from its base, which is thirty feet 
square. Cambridge, three miles north¬ 
west of Boston, contains Harvard Uni¬ 
versity. 

8. Salem is the second city in the 
state for commerce. Newburyport lias 
considerable trade. Beverley, Glou¬ 
cester,* and Marblehead, are largely 
engaged in the cod fisheries, and Nan¬ 
tucket and New Bedford carry on the 
whale-fishing to a greater extent than 
any other places in the world. 

9. Lowell, on the Merrimack river, is famous for its cotton and 
woollen mills, and its great extent of water power. Lawrence, a new 
manufacturing town, on the same river, but further down, has also 
an extensive water power. Taunton and Fall River are considerable 
manufacturing towns. Lynn is noted for the vast amount of boots 
and shoes made in it; and Lexington for being the place where the 
first battle was fought during the revolutionary war. 


4. What does this state contain ? 5. Describe Boston. Its shipping. 
Trade. Buildings, &c. 6. What is said of the American revolution ? 

What did the British Government do ? What did the American army 
do ? 7. Describe Charlestown, &c. The Bunker Hill Monument. 8. De¬ 
scribe Salem, Newburyport, Nantucket, and New Bedford. 9. Describe 


SI 



Bunker Hill Monument. 


Glos'-ter. 























RHODE ISLAND. 


117 


10. At Plymouth the first settlers or pilgrims landed in the yea; 
1620. The anniversary of that event is still observed. Worcester,* 
Springfield, Northampton, and Pittsfield, are all thriving and importani 
towns. Springfield contains an United States’ armory, at which great 
numbers of fire-arms are made. 


- 86 - 

Map No. 8.—What bounds Massachusetts on the north ? N.-H., Vl. 

— On the south? R.-I., Ct. — On the west? N.-Y. — What ocean 
on the east and south ? Ac. — What three mountains are in Massa- 
chusetts ? Wt., He., Tm.—The range west of the Connecticut river, is 
called the Housatonick Mts.: it is a continuation of the Green Mts. 
Which are the principal rivers ? Ct., Mk.—How long are they ? The 
other rivers ? Be., Hk., Dd., Wd., Ms., Ce., Na., Cd.—What capes are 
on the coast ? An., Cd., Mr. — What bays ? Ms., C.-Cd., Bs. — What 
islands ? Nt., M.-Vd.—What counties do these islands form ? Nt., Ds. 
— Which is the most northern county ? Ex. — The most southern ? 
Nt. — The most eastern ? Be. — The most western ? Be. — What is 
the capital ? Bn. — Its population ? In what county is it ? A., Suffolk 
County. — What four places have each a population of upwards of 
10,000 ? LI., Sm., N.-Bd., Cn.— In what year was the battle of Lex¬ 
ington fought ? Bunker’s Hill ? t What rail-roads centre in Boston ? 

Tell by the Scale what capital lies about 90 miles from Boston. Hd. 
—What county town in Maine lies a few miloo farther ? Pd.—This is 
the most important place in the state, and was formerly the capital. 
What county towns in Connecticut are about the same distance from 
Boston as Portland ? Mn., Hm., N.-Ln. — What island belonging to 
Rhode Island is not quite so far ? Bk. — What island in Massachu. 
setts is about the same distance? Nt. — What is the name of the 
county and county town ? Nt. — What does this island carry on to a 
great extent? par. 8. — How far is Providence from Boston? Wor¬ 
cester ? Amherst ? Exeter ? How far is Augusta ? Montpelier ? In 
what states are the two last ? What towns on Massachusetts Bay ? 

-87- 

RHODE ISLAND. 

1. Rhode Island is the smallest state in the Union, but is 
pleasantly situated, and possesses numerous facilities for com¬ 
merce and manufactures. 


Lowell, Taunton, &c. 10. Plymouth and the other towns. 

Rhode Island. Q. — 1. What is Rhode Island? What does .'t pos 


* Worcester , Woos'-ter. 

f The flag denoting this battle is near Charlestown. 








118 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


2. The face of the country is mostly level, except in the 
north-west, which is hilly and rocky. Part of the state has 
a thin and poor soil, but the islands bordering on the Narra- 
gansett Bay are of great fertility, and are celebrated for theii 
fine cattle. 

3. This state is extensively engaged in the cotton manu¬ 
facture, and took the lead in that branch of industry. The 
first cotton-mill erected in the United States was built here. 

4. Rhode Island had no Constitution of government for 179 years, 
except the Charter granted by Charles II., in 1663. In 1842, after 
some dissensions, occasioned by party differences, a new Constitution 
was.formed more suitable to the times, and similar in principle to the 
Constitutions of the other states. 

5. Providence, on the river of the same name, 35 miles from the sea, 
is the second city in New England in population, wealth, and com- 
merce. It contains the State House, Brown University, the Arcade, a 
number of churches, &c. Its manufactures are various and important. 

6. Newport, near the entrance of Narragansett Bay, is noted for the 
beauty of its situation and salubrious air. Its harbour is one of the 
finest in the United States. Rhode Island, on which it is situated, has, 
from its beauty and fertility, been called the Eden of America. 

7. Bristol is a handsome and flourishing town: its foreign and 
coasting trade is considerable. The villages of Pawtucket, Slaters- 
ville, Woonsocket, and Pawtuxet, are noted for their manufactures; 
the first is situated on both sides of the Pawtucket or Blackstone 
river, and is partly in this state, and partly in Massachusetts. 

Map No. 8. — What state bounds Rhode Island on the north and 
east ? Ms.—The west ? Ct.—What ocean on the south ? Ac.—What 
is the principal bay ? Nt. — Which are the two principal islands ? 
R.-Id., Bk. — What county do they belong to ? Nt. — Which are the 
capitals ? Pe., Nt. Their population ?—In what county is Providence ? 
Pe. — In which is Newport ? Nt. 

•- 88 - 

CONNECTICUT. 

1. Connecticut, the southernmost of the New England 
States, is noted for the excellence of its literary institutions, and 
for the intelligence, enterprise, and good morals of the people. 

2. It has a varied surface of hill and dale, but is seldom 

sess? 9. What is said of the country? Of the soil, &c. ? 3. What 
is this state engaged in ? 4. What is said of the Constitution ? Whai 
occurred in 1842 ? 5. Describe Providence. 6. Newport. 7. Bristol, 
Pawtucket, &c. 

Connecticut. Q,~— 1. For what is Connecticut noted? 2. What is 






CONNECTICUT. 


IIP 



mountainous. The climate is healthful, and the soil generally 
good, especially in the valley of the Connecticut river. 

3. The chief products are the grains, &c. common to New 
England : orchards are numerous; cider is produced in con¬ 
siderable quantities; and butter and cheese are made annually 
to a great amount. 

4. The manufactures of Connecticut are extensive and 
various. The principal articles are cotton, woollen, and silk 
goods, clocks, cutlery, buttons, carriages, &c. The foreign 
trade is chiefly with the West Indies, but is less extensive 
than that along the coast. 

5. The provision made for the public education of the peo¬ 
ple in this state, is more liberal than in any other part of the 
world. The interest of the school fund affords instruction to 
nearly ninety thousand children. 

6. Perhaps no Atlantic state has sent so large a number of active 
and industrious settlers to the western country as Connecticut; and 
her emigrants, wherever found, are among the most enterprising and 
industrious part of the population. 


said of the surface ? Of the climate and soil ? 3. What are the chie^ 
products ? What is said of orchards, &c. ? 4. Of the manufactures ? 

The principal articles ? The foreign trade ? 5. Public education' 

What does the interest of the school fund afford ? 6. What is said of 










20 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


7. The seat of government is divided between New Haven and Hart- 
ord. The former is situated at the bottom of a small bay opening 
nto Long Island Sound. It is built in squares, with straight and wide 
streets, and its regularity and neatness are much admired. 

8. Yale College was removed to this city from Say brook in 1717. 
Besides the college buildings, there are several churches and other pub 
ic edifices that excite attention. The boarding-schools and seminaries 
or youth of both sexes are highly respectable and well conducted. 

9. Hartford is on the Connecticut river, 50 miles from its mouth. 
During a few years past, it has rapidly increased in commerce, popu- 
ation and wealth. It is the seat of Washington College, and of the 
Asylum for the Deaf and Dumb, the first institution of the kind esta¬ 
blished in the United States. Wethersfield, 4 miles south 'from Hart¬ 
ford, is noted for its trade in onions. It contains the State Prison. 

10. New London and Stonington employ a number of vessels in the 
vhale and seal fisheries. Middletown and Norwich are extensively 
engaged in manufactures. Litchfield was long noted for its law- 
school ; Bristol and Plymouth for their manufactures of clocks; Col¬ 
linsville for axes, and Waterbury for buttons. Saybrook was the first 
place in this state occupied by the English. 

-89- 

Map No. 8.—What state bounds Connecticut on the north? Ms. 
-On the east? R.-L—West? N.-Y. —South? L.-I. Sd. — How 
long is Long I. Sound ? To what state does Long I. belong ? N.-Y. 

—What rivers flow into the Sound ? Ct., Ts., Hk. The length of 
each ? How far is the Connecticut navigable ? For what kiiid of 
vessels ? The Housatonick ? Point out the other rivers. What is the 
population of New Haven ? Of Hartford ? Which are the four next 
largest towns, and their pq^ulation? N.-Ld., Dy., Nh., Ld.—On what 
river is New London ? N v.b ! Middletown ? Haddam ? &c. 

How many miles is it by the scale from New Haven to Hartford ? 
What county town is about the same distance ? Ld. —The city of 
New York, Northampton on the Connecticut river, and Block Island, 
are all about the same distance from New Haven. How many miles 
is it? Hartford is nearly half way between New York\and Boston. 
How many miles is it from each ? New Haven is about the same dis¬ 
tance from Newport, Providence, and Worcester. How many miles is 
it ? Hartford is situated very nearly half way between the eastern and 
western extremities of the state. How many miles is it from each ? 
Hartford is about the same distance from Providence and Poughkeep¬ 
sie. How many miles is it from each ? How far is New Haven from 
the north line of the state ? From the north-east corner of the state ? 
From the north-west corner ? 


settlers to the western country? Of emigrants? 7. Of the seat of govern¬ 
ment ? Describe New Haven. 8. Yale College, &c. 9. Hartford. 10. 
What is said of New Lcndon ? Stonington ? Norwich ? Lite! .“eld ? &c 


i 





MIDDLE STATES. 


121 


90 



MIDDLE STATES. 

1. The Middle States comprise New York, New Jersey, 
Pennsylvania, and Delaware. They occupy one of the finest 
portions of the Union, and are distinguished for their rapid 
growth in prosperity and wealth, and for the enterprise and 
industry of their inhabitants. 

2. These states exhibit some of the most mountainous 
tracts in the Union. The Alleghany, the Blue Mountains, 
and other ranges, stretch through the country from south¬ 
west to north-east. They are almost universally covered 
with forests, and contain many wild solitudes among them 
that are seldom or never visited by man. 

3. The climate is generally more mild than in the IJTew 
England States, except in the northern parts of New York, 
where the cold of winter is equally severe. 

4. A great portion of the soil of the Middle States is fertile, 
well cultivated, and produces large crops of excellent wheat, 

Middle States. Q. — 1. What do the Middle States comprise? What 
io they occupy ? For what are they distinguished ? 2. What do 

(hese states exhibit ? With what are thoy coveml ? 3. W tat is said 

Q 






















122 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


Indian corn, rye, oats, and barley. The fruits are chi efly 
apples, pears, peaches, and plums. 

5. The most useful minerals, coal, iron, salt, and lime, 
abound to a great extent in various parts of the country; and 
mining is actively pursued, especially in the coal regions of 
Pennsylvania. 

6. The commerce of the Middle States is extensive, and is 
carried on chiefly through the cities of New York and Phila¬ 
delphia. The internal trade is greatly facilitated by the 
numerous canals and rail-roads which extend through the 
different parts of the country. 

7. The manufactures are important and various; a vast 
amount of capital and labour is employed in their fabrication, 
and thousands of both sexes are supported by them. 

8. In the Middle States common-scft »ol education is not so 
general as in most parts of New England, except in the state of 
New York, where great attention has been paid to the subject. 

9. In Pennsylvania, a system has been adopted that will afford the 
means of education to all classes of the people; the same is mainly 
true respecting New Jersey; but in Delaware, the plans pursued for 
that purpose have not as yet proved very efficient. 

-91- 

10. The great body of the people in the Middle States are of British 
descent; but in some parts of Pennsylvania there are many Germans, 
who speak only their own language, and are often ignorant of the 
English tongue. In New York and New Jersey, there are a number 
of the descendants of the original Dutch settlers of New York, and in 
some sections tnat language is partially spoken. 

11. At the close of the revolutionary war, so many emigrants from 
the eastern states settled in New York, that a majority of the present 
population of that state are natives of New England, or their descend¬ 
ants. These, by their industrious habits, their enterprise and general 
intelhgence, have contributed much to the prosperity of that section 
of the Union. 


of the climate ? 4. Of the soil ? The crops ? 5. What is said of the 
minerals ? Of mining ? 6. The commerce ? The internal trade ? 

7. The manufactures ? 8. Of common-schooL education ? In New 

York ? 9. In Pennsylvania ? In New Jersey and Delaware ? 

10. Of what descent are the great body of the people ? What, of 
the Germans? Dutch? 11. Of emigrants from the New England 
slates ? What have they contributed ? 





NEW YORK. 


123 


Map No. 11.—Which is the largest of the Middle States ? N.-Y.— 
The second in extent? Pa.—Third? N.-J. — Fourth? De.—Which 
extends farthest north and east? N.-Y. — South? De.—West? Pa.— 
Which state has the greatest extent of sea-coast? N.-Y. —Which has 
no sea-coast ? Pa. —The Middle States extend from latitude 38i to 45 
degrees. — How many degrees of latitude, then, do they include? 
Tliey extend from longitude 5 degrees east of Washington, to about 
3^ west ? — How many degrees of longitude do they include ? — 
Which is the largest Island belonging to the Middle States ? Lg. — 
What is its length? — The next in size? Sn. — This Island forms 
Richmond county, in New York.—Which are the principal moun¬ 
tains 1 Ay., Be., Cl., Mn. —Which is the highest mountain ? My. — 
How high is it ? —Which are the chief rivers that flow into the Ocean ? 
Hn., I)e., Sa. —Which two form the Ohio ? Ay., Ma. — How long 
are all these rivers ? —Which state has the greatest extent of lake- 
coast ? N.-Y. — The next ? Pa. — How long is each of these lakes 1 

— For what are they navigable ? — How far is it from New York to 
Bristol, England ? — From New Jersey Italy ? — From Delaware to 
Turkey ? — From Philadelphia to Norfolk ? 

-92- 

NEW YORK. 



View of the lower part of the City of New York. 


1. New York is the most flourishing, wealthy, and popu¬ 
lous state in the Union. It exhibits one of those amazing 
examples of growth and prosperity that are no where seen on 
the globe beyond our own borders. 


New York. Q. — 1. What is New York? What does it exhibit? 

































DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


124 

2 . The northern portion of the state is, in part, mountain¬ 
ous, and but thinly settled; the eastern is hilly, and tolerably 
productive; while the Western part is level, remarkably fer¬ 
tile, and increasing rapidly in population. 

3. The agriculture is well conducted. Wheat is the chief 
staple,* but corn, rye, and other grains, are extensively culti¬ 
vated. The flour is of excellent quality; and, with other 
provisions, is largely exported. 

4. The manufactures are extensive and flourishing, and the 
commerce of the state is on a great scale. Near three-fifths 
of the imports, and more than one-fourth of the exports of the 
Union, are made by New York alone. 

5. Iron ore is found in great abundance, and lead, gypsum, 
and limestone, also abound. There are numerous and im¬ 
portant salt springs at various places. The principal are at 
Salina and Syracuse, where more than four million bushels 
of salt are made annually. 

0. The mineral springs of Ballston and Saratoga are well 
known throughout the Union for their medicinal qualities, and 
are much visited from all quarters. The waters are largely 
exported to the other states, and even to foreign countries. 

7. This state shares with Canada West the Falls of Niagara, one 
of the greatest wonders of the western continent. The widest and 
most imposing part of this cataract is on the Canadian side; while 
that on the New York side, though narrower, is several feet higher 
than the other. 

8. New York is distinguished for its magnificent public 
works, of which the Erie, or Great Western Canal, is the 
largest in the state, and oile of the principal works of the 
kind in the world. 

9. The success attending its completion and use, fully convinced the 
people of the United States of the advantages of works of internal im¬ 
provement. There are, likewise, a number of other canals, and also 
rail-roads, in successful operation, besides some that are partially com¬ 
pleted. 


2. What is said of the northern part? Eastern ? Western? 3. The 
agriculture ? 4. Manufactures ? Imports ? Exports ? 5. Iron ore, 

«&c. ? Salt springs ? How much salt is made annually ? 6. What is' 
said of the mineral springs? 7. Of the Falls of Niagara? 8. How 
.is New York distinguished ? What is said of the Erie canal ? 9. Of 

)ther canals and rail-roads ? 



NEW YORK. 


125 


93 


10. Very ample provision has been made for popular education in this 
state; and there is no country in the world where the great body of the 
people have the means of being so generally instructed as in New Y ork. 
More than 700,000 children are taught annually in the common-schools: 
and there are, also, 280 academies, 11 colleges, and a university. 

11. The people of New York, during the revolutionary war, strenu 
ously opposed tne arbitrary measures of the British government. The 
state, for the greater part of that gloomy period, was the theatre of 
active hostilities; and the surrender of General Burgoyne and his army, 
with other memorable events, took place within its limits. 

12. The city of New York is situated on Manhattan island, at the 
junction of the Hudson and East rivers. It is the commercial em¬ 
porium of America ; and is, next to London and Liverpool, the greatest 
in the world. Its progress in population has never been surpassed. 
Since 1796, it has, including Brooklyn, increased more than ten-fold. 

13. The foreign, coasting, and inland trade of this city is immense; 
regular packets are constantly trading to the chief sea-ports in Europe, 
the West Indies, South America, and all the important maritime towns 
in the United States. Steam-ships also are constantly arriving from, 
and departing to, England, and other European countries. 

14. One of the most important works in the state is the aqueduct for 
supplying the city with wholesome water from the Croton river. It is 
45 miles long, and 
will furnish 60 mil¬ 
lion gallons of water 
daily: it cost 12£ 
million dollars. This 
noble structure was 
commenced in 1835, 
and was built at the 
expense of the city. 

15. The public 
buildings are nume¬ 
rous, and many of 
them elegant. The 
City Hall, new Cus¬ 
tom House, Mer¬ 
chants’ Exchange, 

Hall of the University, Astor House, Hall of Justice, &c., are among 
the most striking and important. The churches are upwards of 1 ;0 
in number. 



City Hall, New York. 


10. Of popular education ? How many children are taught annu¬ 
ally ? 11. What is said of the people of New York 1 Of the State? 

12. Where is the city of New York situated ? What is it ? What is 
said of its progress in population? 13. Foreign, coasting, and inland 
trade ? 14. The Croton aqueduct ? 15. Mention the public buildings. 











































DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY 


m 



Great Fire in New York. 


16. This city suffered a severe loss by the great fire of December 
16th, 1835, which destroyed 530 buildings, and other property to the 
amount of more than seventeen millions of dollars. 

17. Brooklyn, on the opposite side of the East river, is properly a 
suburb of New York. It commands a delightful view of the city and 
surrounding country, and is a pleasant place of residence. Above New 
York, on the Hudson, is West Point, tire seat of the United States’ 
Military Academy for the instruction of officers of the army. 

18. Albany, the capital of the state, is 150 miles north of the city of 
New York. It is the centre of an extensive and important inland 
trade, being connected with the ocean by the Hudson river, with lakes 
Erie and Champlain by the State canals, and with Boston and Buffalo 
by one of the finest rail-roads in the Union. 

-94- 

19. Newburg, Poughkeepsie,* Catskill, Hudson, Troy, and Lansing- 
burg, all on the Hudson, are flourishing towns. Schenectady, Utica, 
Syracuse, Rochester, Lockport, and Buffalo, are the most important 
places on the Erie canal. The latter is the g"°at emporium of the trade 
on Lake Erie. Rochester is noted for its numerous fi mr-mills, and 
Syracuse for the vast quantity of salt made there, and in the vicinity. 

20. Besides these, there are many other thriving towns in various 
parts of the state, ofwhich, Rome, A uburn, Geneva, Canandaigua, Ithaca, 
Oswego, Sackett’s Harbour, and Plattsburg,are the principal. Plattsburg 
is noted for the two victories gained over the British in 1814. Sackett’s 
Harbour was the chief naval station on Lake Ontario in the late war. 

16. What is said of the Great Fire? 17. Describe Brooklyn, &c. 
18. Albany. 19. Newburg, &c. 20. The other towns. 

* Po-kep'-sy. 

























NEW JERSEY. 


127 

Map No. 11.—What provinces bound New York on the north ? C.-Wt., 
C.-Et. — What States on the south ? Pa., N.-J. — On the east ? Vt, 
Ms., Ct. — What are the three most northern counties ? S.-Le., Fn., 

Cn. — Most southern ? Rd. — Most eastern ? Sk. — Most western ? 
Ce. — What two great lakes separate New York from Canada West? 
Ee-, Oo. — How long are they ? What river forms part of the boundary 
between this state and Canada West ? S.-Le. — How long is it ? How 
long is Lake Champlain ? George ? Oneida ? Skeneateles ? Cayuga ? 
Seneca ? Canandaigua ? Crooked and Black Lakes ? What three 
rivers flow into Lake Ontario ? Ge., Oo., Bk. — What four flow into 
the St. Lawrence river ? S.-Rs., Rt., Gs., Oe. — Which river flows into 
the Atlantic Ocean ? Hn. — Which is the largest branch of the Hud¬ 
son river ? Mk. — Tell the lengths of all the foregoing rivers. How 
many miles is the Hudson river navigable for steam-boats? For 
sloops ? For ships ? What river unites Lakes Erie and Ontario ? 
Na. — How high is Mt. Marcy ? The Catskill Mts. ? 

What island is in Niagara river ? Gd.—What celebrated falls on the 
Niagara river ? Na.—What island forms one of the counties of the state ? 
Sn. — What island contains three counties ? Lg. —»What is the length 
of Long Island ? What Sound separates it from Connecticut ? Point 
out the different places at which battles were fought, and their dates. 

-95- 



Battle of Trenton. 

NEW JERSEY. 


1. New Jersey possesses considerable variety of surface, 
being mountainous in the northern parts, moderately level in 
he middle, and low and chiefly sandy in the south. 


Neie Jersey. Q — 1. What does New Jersey possess ? 2. What k 


















128 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY 


2. Most of the soil is well cultivated, and produces the 
various grains common to this part of the Union, with fruits 
and vegetables in abundance, which supply *the markets of 
the large cities in the adjacent states. 

3. The manufactures are extensive and flourishing. They 
comprise cotton and woollen goods, with various articles of 
iron, glass, leather, &c. 

4. Some important canals and rail-roads extend through 
the state, and add greatly to the facilities of intercourse be¬ 
tween the northern and southern parts of the Union. 

5. The people of New Jersey bore their full share in the perils and 
hardships of the revolution; and some of the most important battles 
of that period were fought within the limits of the state. 

6. Trenton, on the Delaware river, at the head of tide-water, is the 
capital of New Jersey. It has considerable trade and manufactures, 
and is noted for the capture of the Hessians in 1776, by General 
Washington. 

7. Newark, 10 miles west from New York, is the largest town in 
the state. It is well built, and has extensive manufactures. New 
Brunswick, on the Raritan river, is a place of considerable trade. It 
contains Rutgers College, a highly respectable literary institution. 

8. Paterson, at the falls of the Passaic river, is one of the principal 
manufacturing towns in the country. Here are numerous mills, fac¬ 
tories, founderies, and all the different establishments necessary in a 
place devoted to the fabrication, on a large scale, of cotton and woollen 
goods, paper, and machinery of various kinds. 

9. Princeton, 11 miles north-east of Trenton, is a neat and pleasant 
town. It is the seat of New Jersey College, one of the oldest and 
most respectable literary institutions in the Union. Elizabethtown, 
Burlington, Camden, and Salem, are thriving towns. 


Map No. 11. — What bounds New Jersey on the north ? N.-Y. — 
What on the east ? A.-On., N.-Y. — West ? Pa., De. — What river 

separates New Jersey from Pennsylvania and Delaware ? De. — What 
river separates it from New York ? Hn. — Which are the three prin¬ 
cipal rivers of New Jersey? Pc., Rn., Me.— Which is the most 
northern comity ? Sx. — The most southern ? C.-My. — The most 
eastern ? Bn. — The most western ? Sm. — What Cape at the south¬ 
ern extremity of New Jersey ? My. — What Bay on the south-west ? 
De. — When were the battles of Trenton, Princeton, Monmouth, and 

said of the soil ? What does it produce ? 3. What is said of the 

manufactures ? What do they comprise ? 4. What extends through the 
state ? 5. What is said of the people ? 6. Describe Trenton. 7. New 
irk. New Brunswick. 8. Paterson. 9. Princeton, and other towns. 




PENNSYLVANIA. 


129 

Red Bank, fought ? In which county is Trenton ? Mr. — Newark ? 
Ex. — Paterson ? Pc. — New Brunswick ? Mx. —What is the popu¬ 
lation of each of these towns ? On what river is Newark ? Burling 
ton ? Camden ? &c. 

-96- 



Ship of the Line Pennsylvania. 


PENNSYLVANIA. 

1. Pennsylvania is, next to New York, the largest in 
extent of the four Middle States, and the second in population 
in the Union. It is highly distinguished for its various manu¬ 
factures, vast mineral resources, and extensive public works. 

2. The interior of the state is traversed by the different 
ridges of the Alleghany Mountains, while the eastern and 
western sections are level, *or moderately hilly. 

3. The soil is generally well cultivated, and yields in 
abundance wheat, corn, and other grains, with all the fruits 
common to the Middle States. 

4. The mineral wealth of Pennsylvania is probably greatei 
than that of any other state in the Union; coal, iron, and lime, 
are found in vast quantities, and salt springs are numerous. 


Pennsylvania. Q.—1. What is Pennsylvania ? For vhat is it dis 
anguished ? 2. What is said of the interior of the state ? The east 

wn end western sections ? 3. Of the soil ? 4. The mineral wealth ? 

R 

























30 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


5. The works of internal improvement already completed, 
have added greatly to the intercourse between the eastern and 
western parts of the Union, and are rapidly increasing the 
trade and commerce of the state. 

6. No general system of education was adopted in Penn¬ 
sylvania till 1834. Since that period, the number of schools 
and scholars has greatly increased. Besides nearly 7,000 
common schools, with 370,000 scholars, there is a University, 
eighteen Colleges, and a number of respectable academies 
and private schools in the state. 



Girard College. 


7. The Girard College, for orphans, near Philadelphia, was endowed 

by the munificence of a private individual, Stephen Girard, who died,in 
1832, and left two millions of dollars for the purpose of erecting and 
supporting the institution. • 

8. Pennsylvania was settled by a colony of English Quakers, or 
Friends, under the guidance of William Penn, whose liberal views in 
government and religion and just policy towards the natives, ensured 
the prosperity of the colony, and preserved peace for many years 
between the Indians and white setllers. 

9 This state acted a conspicuous part in the war of the revolution. 


5. The works of internal improvement ? What have they added ? 

6. What is said of education? Of the number of schools ? 7. Girard 

College? 8. Who settled Pennsylvania? What is said of William 
Penn ? 9. How did the state act during the revolution ? 

















PENNSYLVANIA. 


131 


It was in her chief city that glorious declaration was made, which 
asserted and placed on a sure basis the civil and political rights of 
mankind, and formed a new era in the history of the world. 

-97- 

10. Harrisburg, the capital of the state, is pleasantly situated on the 
east bank of the Susquehanna river, 98 miles west of Philadelphia. It 
contains the state capitol, and other public buildings. 

11. Philadelphia is one of the most regular and handsomely-built 
cities in America. It stands on the west bank of the Delaware river, 
one hundred miles from the sea, and is noted for the cleanliness of the 
streets, and the neat appearance of the buildings. 

12. In manufactures, it is one of the first cities in the Union. 
The foreign commerce is very considerable, and the inland trade with 
the Western States is valuable and extensive. The exportation of coal 
employs many vessels and men, and a large amount of capital. 

13. Philadelphia is celebrated as a seat of literature and science, 
especially of medical science. The University of Pennsylvania and 
the Jefferson Medical School both enjoy a high reputation. Tho 
public and private schools are numerous and well attended; and the 
city abounds ip benevolent and religious institutions. 



Wire Bridge over the Schuylkill river, with part of Fairmount. 

14. It is also adorned with many handsome public buildings, of 
which the Custom House, Merchants’ Exchange, and Mint, are the 

10. Describe Harrisburg. 11. What is said of Philadelphia ? For 
what is it noted ? 12. What is said of its manufactures ? Commerce ? 
Exportation of coal ? 13. For what is Philadelphia celebrated ? What 
are numerous ? In what does the city abound ? 14. With what is it 

































DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


132 

most elegant. The Alms-IIouse, State Penitentiary, Naval Asylum, 
and Girard College, all near the city, are large and important edifices. 

15. The Fairmount water-works, on the Schuylkill* river, supply 
the city with pure and wholesome water, which is conveyed in pipes, 
under ground, in every direction. Close to these works there is an 
elegant wire bridge, 357 feet in length, and 30 feet above the surface of 
the river. Two other bridges cross the Schuylkill lower down. The 
city and Northern Liberties are lighted with gas in a superior manner. 

16. The ship of the line Pennsylvania was built here, and launche 
in 1837. This vast ship, probably the largest ever constructed, is 247 
feet long, and 59 deep; carries 140 guns, and is 3,306 tons burthen. 

17. Pittsburg, situated at the head of the Ohio river, is distinguished 
for its numerous manufactories. A great fire occurred here April 
17th, 1845, which destroyed about 1,000 houses, besides a vast amount 
of merchandize; the whole loss is estimated at from 6 million to 9 
million dollars. Alleghany and Birmingham are considered suburbs 
of Pittsburg, and are connected with it by bridges. 

18. Lancaster, 62 miles west of Philadelphia, is situated in a rich and 
fertile country. Reading, Easton, Lebanon, Carlisle, Pottsville, Beaver, 
Wilkesbarre,! and Erie, are all considerable towns: the latter is im 
portant on account of its harbour, which is one of the best on the lakes 

-98- 

Map No. 11. —What bounds Pennsylvania on the north ? N.-Y. — 

South? De., Md., Va. — East? N.-Y., N.-J.—West? Oo., Va.— 
What river separates Pennsylvania from New Jersey ? De. —What 
river flows into Chesapeake Bay ? So,. —Which are its two chief 
branches ? Nh., Wt. —What rivers unite at Pittsburg ? Ay., Ma.— 
What river do they form ? Oo. —What river flows into the Susque¬ 
hanna above Harrisburg ? Ja—Tell the lengths of the foregoing rivers. 
—What two rivers flow into the Delaware ? Lh., SI. —What river 
flows into the Ohio below Pittsburg ? Br. — How many miles is the 
Delaware navigable for steam-boats ? —What mountains extend be¬ 
tween Berks and Schuylkill counties ? Be. —What mountains in the 
centre of the state ? Ay. —What two ridges in the western part ? LL, 
Ct. — In wh ich county is Philadelphia ? Pa. — Harrisburg ? Dn. — 
Lancaster ? Lr. — Pittsburg ? Ay. —What is the population of 
Philadelphia ? — Lancaster ? — Harrisburg ? — Reading ? — Easton ? 
— Erie ? — Pittsburg ? —What lake forms the N. W. boundary of the 
state ? Ee. —What town on the lake ? Ee. —When was Braddock 
defeated ? —Where were the battles of Brandywine and Germantown 
fought?—When did the massacre of Wyoming take place ?--On 
what river is Reading ? — Easton ? — Pottsville ?—Wilkesbarre ? 

adorned ? Mention the public buildings. 15. Fairmount water-works ? 
Wire Bridge? &c. 16. Of the Ship Pennsylvania? 17. Describe 
Pittsburg. 18. Lancaster. The other towns. 

* Schuylkill, Skool'-kill. t Wilkesbarre , Wilks'-bar-ry. 






DELAWARE. 


133 


-99- 

DELAWARE. 

1. Delaware is the smallest in- population, and, except 
Rhode Island, the least in extent, of any state in the Union. 
Its general aspect is that of an extended plain, mostly favour¬ 
able for cultivation. 

2. The chief products are wheat and Indian corn, of 
which the former is generally of excellent quality. Brandy¬ 
wine creek, in the upper part of the state, supplies extensive 
water-power for a number of large manufacturing establish¬ 
ments. The principal articles furnished by these, are flour, 
corn-meal, cotton and woollen goods, paper, and gunpowder. 

3. The Chesapeake and Delaware Canal, the Newcastle and French- 
town, and the Philadelphia and Baltimore railroads, extend through the 
upper part of the State. The first connects Delaware river and Chesa¬ 
peake Bay, the last is an important link in the great chain of railroads 
now in operation along the Atlantic coasts of the Union. 

4. Near Lewistown, an important national work, the Delaware Break¬ 
water, has been erected, for the purpose of affording a shelter to vessels 
in stormy weather. The work consists of two piers, an ice-breaker 
1700 feet, and a break-water 2800 feet long. The cost of the whole is 
estimated at three millions of dollars. 

5. Wilmington, situated between Christiana and Brandywine creeks, 
near their junction, is the largest and most important place in the state. 
It is a well-built and growing town, and contains a United States’ 
arsenal, several banks, churches, &c. It has considerable trade, with 
some manufactures, and sends several ships to the whale fishery. 

6. Dover, the seat of government, is situated on Jones’s creek, and 
contains a handsome State House. New Castle, Georgetown, and 
Smyrna, are places of some note. Lewistown, near the entrance to 
Delaware Bay, is the oldest town in the state, having been originally 
settled by the Swedes and Finns, about the year 1630. 


Map No. 11.—What state bounds Delaware on the north? Pa.—On 
the south and west ? Md. — On the east ? N.-J. — What rive* and 
Bay separate Delaware from New Jersey ? De. — What Cape in the 
south part of the state ? Hn. — Which is the most northern county ? 
N.-Ce. — What is the population of the principal town ? 


Delaware. Q. — 1. What is said of Delaware? 2. What are its 
chief products ? 3. What is said of the Chesapeake and Delaware 

Canal? Railroads? 4. What is said of the Delaware Break-water? 
5. Describe Wilmington. 6. Dover. New Castle, and other towns 






134 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 



SOUTHERN STATES. 

1. Tiie Southern States comprise Maryland, Virginia, 
North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, 
Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. The District of Columbia 
is also included in this section of the Union. 

2. The whole region extends from the Susquehanna to the 
Rio Grande del Norte: its shores are washed on the east by 
the Atlantic Ocean, and on the south by the Gulf of Mexico. 

3. On the sea-coast, the ground is low and often sw’ampy, 

but sometimes sandy. In the interior, the surface is greatly 
diversified, and frequently hilly and mountainous. In Texas, 
a large portion of the country consists of prairie. The high¬ 
est elevations in the Atlantic States are found in North Caro¬ 
lina. 4 

4. The inhabitants of the Southern States are chiefly occu¬ 
pied in agricultural pursuits; many of them have large plant¬ 
ations, with numerous slaves. 

5. The wealthy classes are generally well-educated; possess culti- 

Southern States. Q. — 1. What do the Southern States comprise ? 
2. How far does the whole region extend ? 3. What is said of the land 

on the sea-coast ? In the interior ? 4. How are the inhabitants chiefly 

employed? 5. What is said of the wealthy classes? What of tlie 
















SOUTHERN STATES. 


135 


vated minds, and refined manners; and are noted for their hospitality. 
Education is not so general among the poorer classes of the people as 
in the Middle and Eastern states. 

6. Nearly the whole of the cotton crop of the United 
States is raised here; which, with sugar and rice, is confined 
to its southern section. In the northern, the principal pro¬ 
ductions are tobacco, wheat, and corn. 

7. Gold abounds in nearly all the Atlantic States of this 
egion ; but is almost exclusively confined to the upper and 

middle portions of the country. This metal is now so exten¬ 
sively found, as to have become an object of national import¬ 
ance. 

8. The gold region embraces a great extent of country, and reaches 
from Virginia, through North and South Carolina, and Georgia, to 
Alabama. 

9. Branches of the United States’ Mint are established at Charlotte, 
in North Carolina, and at Dahlonega, in Georgia, for the purpose of 
coining the gold found in the Southern States. 

- 101 - 

10. The population of the Southern States is chiefly of 
British origin. There are, however, many descendants of the 
French and Spanish colonists, particularly in Louisiana and 
Florida. 

11. In Louisiana the French language is spoken to some extent, and 
the laws and some of the newspapers are published both in that tongue 
and in the English. 

12. The inhabitants of Texas include natives of all parts of the 
Union, besides foreigners of different European nations, and a few 
Mexicans, the remnant of the former proprietors of the country. 

13. The Negroes, who form about two-fifths of the population, con¬ 
stitute a separate class, and are mostly held in slavery. The Indians 
have nearly all emigrated to the Indian Territory, west of the Missis- 
ippi river. 


Map No. 5.—Which is the largest division of the Southern States 1 
Ts.—The smallest? S.-C.—Which is the most northern? Va.— 


poorer classes ? 6. What is said of the cotton crop ? Of other produo 
tions ? 7. Where does gold abound ? What has it become ? 8. What 

does the gold region embrace ? 9. What is said of the United States 

Mint ? 

10. What is said of the population ? 11. Of Louisiana? 12. The 

inhabitants of Texas ? 13. Of the Negroes ? Of the Indians ? 






136 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY, 


Southern ? Fa. — Eastern ? N.-C. —Western ? Ts. — Which divi¬ 

sions border on the Atlantic Ocean ? Md., Va., N.-C., S.-C., Ga., Fa 
—Which border on the Gulf of Mexico? Fa., Aa., Mi., La., Ts.— 
What state is divided by Chesapeake Bay into two parts ? Md. — 
The Southern States extend from latitude 42 to 24 degrees. How 
many degrees of latitude, then, do they comprise ? They extend from 
longitude 1^ degrees east from Washington, to 30£ west. What 
imount of longitude do they include ? 

-- 102 — 



Bombardment of Fort M’Henry. 


MARYLAND. 

1. Maryland is more irregular in its outline than any 
state in the Union, and is divided by Chesapeake Bay into 
two sections, which are called the Eastern and Western 
Shores. 

2. In agriculture, manufactures, and commerce, this Stat 
holds a respectable rank. Flour and tobacco are the staple 
productions. Of the former article, more than 500,000 bar¬ 
rels have been inspected in Baltimore in one year. 

3. The chief mineral products are iron and coal. The 


Maryland. Q.—1. How is Maryland divided ? 2. What is said o» 
ftie agriculture, manufactures, and commerce ? 3. What are the chier 
























MARYLAND. 137 

first is found in various parts of the State; the last occurs in 
the western part chiefly. 

4. The State of Maryland was settled by a body of Roman 
Catholics under Lord Baltimore, whose wise and liberal 
government attracted emigrants from all quarters, and tended 
greatly to the early growth and prosperity of the colony. 

5. Baltimore is on a branch of the Patapsco river, 14 miles from 
Chesapeake Bay, and 200 from the sea; it possesses an extensive foreig 
and domestic trade, and is the greatest flour market in the world. 
Several rail-roads connect this city with other parts of the Union. . 

6. The public buildings are numerous, and many of them handsome 
specimens of architecture. The Exchange, the Roman Catholic Cathe¬ 
dral, and the Battle and Washington Monuments, are among the prin¬ 
cipal. The latter is the finest structure of the kind in the country. It 
is a Doric column, 140 feet in height, and 20 feet in diameter at the 
bottom ; it stands on a pedestal that is elevated 20 feet from the ground; 
on the top is a colossal statue of the Father of his Country. Several 
important rail-roads centre in Baltimore, which add greatly to its trade. 

7. Fort M’Henry, a short distance below the city, commands the 
entrance to the harbour. It was bombarded by the British in 1814; 
but being bravely defended, the assailants were forced to retire. 

8. Annapolis is the capital of Maryland. It is situated on Severn 
river, three miles from Chesapeake Bay. The State House is a hand¬ 
some budding, in which the old Congress held some of their sessions. 

9. Frederick City, ^7 miles west of Baltimore, is, in point of popu¬ 
lation, the second place in the state. Hagerstown and Williamsport 
are thriving towns. Easton and Cambridge are the principal places 
on the Eastern shore. At Emmitsburg, in the northern part of the 
state, is Mount St. Mary’s College. 


Map No. 11. — What bounds Maryland on the north ? Pa. — South 
and west? Va. — East? De., A.-On. — What bay and river divide 
Maryland into two separate parts ? Ce., Sa. — What river separates it 
from Virginia ? Pc. —What rivers flow into Chesapeake Bay on the 
east side ? Ck., Ne., Pe. — What rivers on the west side ? Pt., Pc. — 
Which is the most eastern county ? Wr. — The most western ? Ay. 
— On what river is Havre de Grace ? Cumberland ? Upper Marlboro’ ? 
What is the population of Baltimore ? Of Frederick City ? Of 
Hagerstown? Annapolis? Easton? In what year was the battle 
of North Point fought ? Of Bladensburg ? Of Havre de Grace ? 
What mountains extend through the western part of the state ? Ay. 


mineral products ? 4. By whom was Maryland first settled ? What is 
said of this government ? 5. Describe Baltimore. 6. Its public build- 

: ngs. The Washington Monument. 7. What is said of Fort M’Henry ? 
& Describe Annapolis. 9. Frederick City, and other towns. 

S 




138 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


103 



View in Washington. 


DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 

1. The District of Columbia is a territory under the imme¬ 
diate government of Congress. It comprises Washington 
County, and contains the cities of Washington and George¬ 
town. 

2. Previous to the year 1846, it included Washington County on the 
Maryland, and Alexandria County, on the Virginia side of Potomac 
river. The country forming these counties, was ceded to the United 
States by the States of Virginia and Maryland, in 1790; but in 1846, 
Alexandria County and City were retroceded to Virginia by Congress. 

3. The District of Columbia, called also the Federal District, was a 
tract of country 10 miles square, and contained 100 square miles. It 
now measures 10 miles in extent from north-west to south-east, and 
from 9 to 5 miles in a direction at right-angles with the former, and 
contains 64 square miles. 

4. The City of Washington, the Capital of the United States, was 
laid out in 1791, under the superintendence of the distinguished man 
whose name it bears; and in the year 1800, the seat of government 
was changed from Philadelphia to this place. It is 110 miles from the 
mouth of the Potomac, and 200 from the sea. 

District of Columbia. Q. — 1. What is the District? What does it 
comprise ? contain ? 2. What did it once include ? By what States 

and when was it ceded ? What was done in 1846 ? 3. State its former 
dimensions. Its present. 4. What is the City of Washington ? When 




































DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 


139 

5. Washington is the residence of the President of the United States, 
and the other chief executive officers of the General Government, also 
of the different foreign ministers sent to this country. 

6. The National Congress meets here in the Capitol every year on 
the first Monday in December, and the Supreme Federal Court also 
holds its annual sessions in this city. During the sessions of Congress, 
Washington is thronged with visitors from all parts of the worla 

7. The Capitol is a magnificent building, of white freestone, 352 feet 
long, in the shape of a cross, with the Representatives’ Hall and Senate 
Chamber in the two wings, and a spacious Rot undo in the centre. 

8. The Representatives’ Hall is semicircular, 95 feet in length, and 
60 feet in height, lighted from the top, and adorned with a colonnade 
of pillars beautifully polished. It is one of the finest halls in the world. 
The Senate Chamber is of the same shape, and 74 feet long. The 
Rotundo is 96 feet in diameter, and is 96 feet to the top of the dome 
within. It is all of marble, and the floor is handsomely paved. The 
whole has a most grand and imposing effect. 

9. The President’s House, built of white freestone, on an eminence 
about a mile and a half west from the Capitol, presents a very hand¬ 
some appearance. It is two stories high, with a front of 180 feet, and 
is surrounded by extensive .grounds. On each side are the offices for 
the State, War, Navy, and Treasury Departments. 

10. Georgetown, separated from Washington by Rock Creek, is a 
thriving place, and has some commerce. It is the seat of Georgetown 
College. There is also a nunnery containing from 50 to 70 nuns. 


Map No. 11. — On what river is Washington City ? Pc. — On which 
side is it ? E.— On which side is Georgetown? E.—What is the popu¬ 
lation of each of these places? What parallel of latitude touches the 
northern end of the District ? 


-104- 

VIRGINIA. 

1. Virginia was, until the annexation of Texas, the largest 
state in the Union; it was the first settled of the English 
Colonies, from which circumstance it is often called “ the 
ancient dominion.” 


was it laid out? When did Government remove ? 5. Who resides in 

Washington ? 6. What body meets there ? What Court ? What is 

said of Washington ? 7. The Capitol? 8. Representatives’ Hall ? 

Senate Chamber ? 9. President’s House ? 10. Alexandria ? George¬ 

town? 

Virginia. Q. — 1. What is Virginia ? What is it often called, and 






140 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY 



Surrender of Lord Cornwallis. 


2. Many eminent men were natives of Virginia; among 
whom, the illustrious Washington, with Jefferson, Madison, 
and Monroe, were all Presidents of the United States. 

3. This state is traversed by the Alleghany Mountains and 
the Blue Ridge. The country east of the latter is generally 
level, while the western division is hilly and mountainous. 

4. The productions of the north and the south, wheat, cot¬ 
ton, and tobacco, are all raised here. Indian corn is also 
extensively cultivated. Gold, copper, lead, iron, coal, and 
salt, abound. Several companies are at present employed in 
workings the gold-mines. 

5. Thj^mneral-springs of Virginia are celebrated for their 

medicinal 'prpuerties, and are much resorted to during the 
summer The principal,,of these are, the Warm, the 

Hot, and the wwite Sulphur springs. 

^ 6. Several imporranit rail-roads and canals are already finished, and 
others are advancing*towards completion'. By these, transportation and 
travelling will be rendebed^asy through a large portion of the state. 

7. Virginia was among the leading states during the Revolutionary 
war. In the year 1781, the siege and surrender of Yorktown took 
place—when Lord Cornwallis ana his army were made prisoners of 
war; an event that secured the independence of the United States. 

why ? 2. Who were natives of this state ? 3. What mountains are 

in Virginia ? 4. What are the productions ? What is said of gold, &,c. ? 
5. Of the Mineral Springs ? G Rail-roads ? 7 What was Virginia 1 
























VIRGINIA. 141 

8. The Natural Bridge 
over Cedar Creek, a small 
stream running into James 
"iver, consists of an enor¬ 
mous chasm, 200 feet in 
depth, nearly perpendicular, 
through which the creek 
passes. A huge rock is 
thrown across the chasm at 
the top, forming a natural 
bridge GO feet in width, and 
covered with soil and trees. 

9. Richmond, the capital 
of the state, stands on James 
river, 110 miles from its 
mouth. It is surrounded by 
a fertile country, and has a 
flourishing trade. Its exports 
are wheat, flour, tobacco, 
and coal. 

10. Norfolk, on Elizabeth 

river, is the principal sea- Natural Bridge, Virginia. 

port. It has a fin# 1 harbour, and more foreign commerce than any 
other town in the state. At Gosport, in Portsmouth, opposite to Nor¬ 
folk, is one of the most important Navy-Yards of the United States. 

-105- 

11. Petersburg, Fredericksburg, and Lynchburg, are each important 
towns. Wheeling, on the Ohio, is the channel of a great deal of busi¬ 
ness. Yorktown is celebrated for the surrender of Lord Cornwallis to 
the combined American and French armies, under General Washing¬ 
ton. Charlottesville is the seat of the University of Virginia. Monti- 
cello, two miles from this place, is noted for having been the residence 
of Thomas Jefferson, President of the United States. 

12. In Westmoreland county, on the Potomac, is shown the spot 
where Washington was born. The house, which stood about half a 
mile from the river, is now in ruins. A simple stone, with the inscrip¬ 
tion, “ Here, on the 11th of February,* 1732, George Washington was 
born,” designates the consecrated spot. 

13. Farther up the river, 8 miles below Alexandria, is Mount Vernon, 
the former residence of that great and good man. Alexandria is on 
the Potomac 6 miles below Washington. It belonged for 46 years to the 
District of Columbia, but was retroceded by Congress to Virginia in 1846 

What is said of Lord Cornwallis, &c. ? 8. The Natural Bridge ? 9. Rich¬ 
mond ? 10. Norfolk, &c. ? 11. Petersburg, and the other towns ? For 

what is Yorktown celebrated? Of Charlottesville? 12. Where was 

Washington born ? 13. Where is Mount Vernon, &c. ? Alexandria ? 

* Old Style, which corresponds to the 22d of February, New Style 
the day celebrated as the anniversary of Washington’s birth. 









142 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY 


Map No. 5.— What bounds Virginia on the north ? Pa., Md, — On 
the south ? N.-Ca. — East ? A.-On. — West ? Oo., Ky. — What river 
separates Virginia from Ohio? Oo. — Which from Maryland? Pc. 
— W hav river and mountains from Kentucky ? B.-Sy., Cd. — What 

two ranges of mountains extend through Virginia? Ay., B.-Re.— 
How long and high are the Alleghany Mountains? 

Map No. 11. — What Bay separates the two eastern counties from the 
rest of the state? Ce. — \Vhat two Capes at the entrance of Chesa- 
peake Bay ? Cs., Hy. — In what county is Richmond ? Ho. — In 
which is Norfolk? Nk. — Lynchburg? Cl. — Wheeling? Oo.— 
Petersburg? De.— In which county is Washington’s birth-place? 
Wd. — Mount Vernon ? Fx. — The University of Virginia ? Ae. — 
In what year did Cornwallis surrender ? — What four rivers flow into 
Chesapeake Bay ? Pc., Rk., Yk., Js. — Tell the length of each. — On 
what river is Richmond ? Js. — Petersburg ? Ax. — Lynchburg ? Js. 
—Yorktown? Yk. — Fredericksburg? Rk. — Wheeling? Oo.— 
Charleston ? Ka. — See Map 9. — A vast quantity of salt is manufac¬ 
tured at this place. What streams form James R. ? Roanoke R. ? 
Fork R. ? &c. 

- 106 - 



Making Tar. 

NORTH CAROLINA. 


1. North Carolina is an extensive but thinly peopled 
State. The country, for more than sixty miles from the coast,' 
is a low, sandy plain, intersected with many swamps and 
inlets from the sea, and covered with extensive pine forests. 


North Carolina. Q. — 1. What is North Carolina ? Describe the 













NORTH CAROLINA 


143 


2. In the interior the surface is varied and hilly; and on 
the western frontier it ascends into mountains, whose summits 
are the most elevated of any in the Atlantic States; Black 
Mountain being 6476 feet in height. 

3. The pine forests which occupy the lower part of the 
State, furnish one of the most important items of its trade, 
producing turpentine, tar, pitch, rosin, and lumber, in great 
abundance. 

4. The commerce is limited for want of good harbours; 
and there is no large commercial town. The trade is carried 
on chiefly through the ports of the neighbouring states. The 
exports are cotton, rice, tobacco, and the produce of the 
forests. 

5. Gold, iron, and black lead, with some copper, are the principal 
minerals of North Carolina. The m ; ncs of the former are extensively 
worked, and are even considered of great national importance. 

6. A branch of the United States’ Mint has been established at Char, 
lotte, for the purpose of coining the gold found in this and the neigh¬ 
bouring states. 

7. Raleigh,* the capital, is near the west bank of Neuse river 
Here was the State House, containing Canova’s celebrated statue of 
Washington, which was destroyed by fire in 1831. A new and splen¬ 
did granite building has since been erected. 

8. Wilmington, on Cape Fear river, 30 miles from the sea, is the 
largest town in North Carolina. It carries on an active trade with the 
Northern and Middle States, and also with the West Indies. This 
place is the southern termination of an extensive line of rail-road. 

9. Fayetteville, at the head of steam-boat navigation, on Cape Fear 
river, contains a United States’ armory. Newbern is situated ai the 
junction of Neuse and Trent rivers. Salem and Charlotte are small 
but thriving places. Chapel Hill, about 30 miles from Raleigh, con¬ 
tains the University of North Carolina. 


Map No. 5. — What bounds North Carolina on the north ? Va. — Or 
the south ? S.-Ca., Ga. — East ? A.-On. — West ? Te. — W hat moun. 


interior. What high mountain is in this state ? 3. What occuj ies the 

lower part of the state ? What do they produce ? 4. What is said of 

the commerce ? What are the exports ? 5. What are the principal 

minerals ? 6. What is established at Charlotte ? 7. Which is the capi¬ 
tal? 8. What is said of Newbern ? Wilmington? 9. Fayetteville, 
and other towns ? 


* Raleigh , Raw'-le. 





144 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


tains extend through the west part of North Carolina? Ay., B.-Re. — 
Which is the highest mountain ? Bk. — How high is it ? YVhat three 
•Japes on the coast ? Hs., Lt., Fr. 

Map No. 11.—What two sounds in North Carolina ? Ae., Po.—How 
long are they ? What two rivers flow into Albemarle Sound ? Re., 
On. — Which two into Pamlico Sound ? Tr., Ne. — In what direction 
io the Cape Fear, Lumber, Yadkin, and Catawba rivers flow? How 
long are they ? How far are Chowan, Roanoke, Tar, and Cape Fear 
rivers navigable, and for what kind of vessels ? How many inhabitants 
have Wilmington, Newbern, Fayetteville, Raleigh,Charlotte, and Eden- 
ton ? On what river is Halifax ? Edenton ? Tarboro’ ? Louisbury ? 
In what county is the University of North Carolina ? Oe. — In what 
year was the battle of Guilford Court-House fought ? 

-107- 



Battle of Eutaw Springs. 


SOUTH CAROLINA. 

1. This state lies nearly in the form of a triangle between 
North Carolina and Georgia. It is about half the size of the 
latter, and is similar to the adjoining states in climate, soil, 
xnd productions. 

2. Cotton and rice are the great staples of South Carolina, 
but corn, wheat, oats, potatoes, and tobacco, are also amongst 


South Carolina. — 1. What is said of this state? How does it 
wrnpare with Georgia ? 2. What is the great staple ? What are hr 











SOUTH CAROLINA. 145 

its products. Indigo was formerly produced in large quan¬ 
tities, but its culture is now abandoned. 

. 3. The commerce is extensive and valuable. It consists 
in the export of agricultural products of the state, and of large 
quantities of those raised in Georgia and North Carolina. 

4. The Charleston and Hamburg rail-road, 136 miles in length, is one 
of the most important works of the kind in the Southern States yet con- 
•‘ructed, and has already greatly benefited the trade of Charleston. 

5. The white residents, especial'y of the lower and middle 
sections of the state, are chiefly wealthy planters, who, in 
general, have large incomes, and are distinguished for their 
intelligence and refinement. 

6. South Carolina was an illustrious actor and sufferer in the war 
of independence. Her capital was for a considerable period in posses¬ 
sion of the enemy; and the battles of the Cowpens, King’s Mountain, 
and Eutaw Springs, were among the most important that took place 
during the revolutionary contest. 

7. Charleston stands at the junction of Ashley and Cooper rivers : 
it is the principal city of South Carolina, and the largest in the Atlantic 
states south of the Potomac river. Its commerce is considerable, and 
is annually increasing. The citizens are noted for their hospitality. 

8. Columbia, the capital of the state, is regularly laid out, with very 
wide streets, and is a neatly built town. Georgetown, on Winy aw 
Bay, Camden, on the Wateree river, and Hamburg, on the Savannah, 
opposite Augusta, are amongst the principal towns of the state. 

Map No. 12.—What bounds South Carolina on the north ? N.-Ca,— 
On the west ? Ga. — East ? A.-On. — What river separates it from 
Georgia? Sh. — What rivers flow into Winyaw Bay? G.-Pe., Ww. 
— What river south of Winyaw Bay ? Se. — What rivers form the 
Santee? We.,* Ce. — TheCongaree? Sa., BcJ. — What rivers flow 
into St. Helena sound ? Eo., Ce. — What are the lengths of all the 
foregoing rivers ?—How many miles, and for what kinds of vessels, are 
the Waccamaw, Great Pedee, Wateree, and Congaree rivers navigable ? 
—What is the population of Charleston ? — Of Columbia ? — Camden 
and Georgetown? — In what year was the battle of Fort Moultrie 
fought ? — Charleston ? — Monk’s Corner ? — Gates defeated ?—King’s 
Mountain ? — Cowpens ? — Hobkirk’s Hill and Eutaw Springs ? — In 
what district is Charleston ? Cn. — Columbia ? Rd. — Camden 7 Kw 
—Which is the most northern district ? — Most southern ? — Eastern ? 
—Western ? — Near the junction of what rivers is Columbia ? 

other products ? 3. What is said of the commerce ? 4. Of the Charles¬ 

ton and Hamburg rail-road? 5. Of the white residents? 6. What 
was South Carolina in the war of independence ? 7. Describe Cliarles- 

ton. 8. Columbia, &c. _ 

The Wateree river begin?, and ise Catawba ends, at the mouth of Big Wateree C eok 

T 






146 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


108 



Gold Mining. 


GEORGIA. 

1. Georgia is the third in extent of the Southern States: 
it was the last settled of the thirteen original colonies, and is 
now rapidly increasing in wealth and population. 

2. The great staple of Georgia is cotton, the crop of which, 
in 1840, exceeded 163 million pounds. The other products 
are corn, rice, lumber, pitch, tar, and turpentine, which are all 
exported to a large amount. Some tobacco is likewise raised 
in the northern, and sugar in the southern parts of the state. 

3. The cotton produced, as in South Carolina, is of two 
kinds, the sea island, and upland. The former is double the 
value of the other, and is raised only in small quantities on 
the islands that lie along the sea-coast. 

4. The principal mineral is gold, which is found m the 
noithern part of the state, and engages the labour of numer¬ 
ous individuals. Iron and copper also occur. Several rail¬ 
roads are now in progress in this state. 


Georgia. Q. — 1. What is said of Georgia? 2. What is the great 
staple of the state ? What is the amount of the annual crop ? What 
are the other products ? 3. What is said of cotton ? 4. What is the 



















FLORIDA. 


14 ? 


5. Savannah, on the river of the same name, and 18 miles from the 
sea, is the chief commercial depot of Georgia. It suffered much from 
the great fire of 1820 ; but it has recovered from that shock, and is, at 
present, one of the most flourishing cities in the southern states. Mil¬ 
ledgeville, the capital of the state, is situated on the Oconee river. It 
is a place of some trade, and contains the State House. 

6. Augusta is the interior emporium of the state. It is connected 
with Charleston, by the Charleston and Hamburg rail-road ; and with 
Savannah, by the Savannah river. It is well built, and contains some 
handsome public edifices. A bridge 1200 feet long across the Savan¬ 
nah connects it with Hamburg. 

7. Columbus, on the Chattahoochee river, and Macon, on the Ocmul- 
gee, are amongst the most flourishing places in Georgia. Darien, 
Brunswick, and St. Mary’s, on the sea-coast, are improving towns. 


Map No. 12. — What bounds Georgia on the north ? N.-Ca. — On 
the south ? Fa. — East ? S.-Ca., A.-On. — West ? Aa. — What river 
separates Georgia from South Carolina ? Sa. — What river separates 
it in part from Alabama ? Ce. — What river in part from Florida ? 
S.-Ms.—What five rivers flow into the Atlantic ocean ? Sh., Oe., Aa., 
Sa., S.-Ms. — What rivers form the Alatamaha ? Oe., Oe. — What 
rivers form the Apalachicola ? Ce., Ft. — What is the population of 
Savannah ? Augusta ? Columbus ? Macon ? In what counties are 
these towns ? Cm., Rd., Me., Bb. — In what county is Milledgeville ? 
Bn.—To what towns, and how far from the sea, do steam-boats ascend 
the Savannah ? Oconee ? Ocmulgee ? Chattahoochee ? and Flint 
rivers ? Which is the largest island ? Cd. — What extensive swamp 
in Ware county ? Oe. — When was the battle of Savannah fought ? 

-109- 

FLORIDA. 

1. Florida is the most southern portion of the United 
States. It was for nearly 200 years a Spanish province, 
and was ceded by Spain, in 1819, to the American govern¬ 
ment. In 1822, Florida was formed into a territory; and in 
1845, was admitted into the Union as the 27th state. 

2. The surface of the country is level, and not much ele- 
vated above the sea. The soil along the streams is very 

principal mineral ? What are the other minerals ? WKht is said of 
rail-roads ? 5. Describe Savannah, Milledgeville. fi. Augusta, &c. 

7. Columbus, and the other towns. 

Florida. Q.—1. What was Florida? When was it ceded to the 
United States ? When was it formed into a territory ? When was it 
admitted into the Union, &c. ? 2. What is said of the surface of the 






148 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY, 


fertile, and well suited to the production of cotton, rice, to¬ 
bacco, sugar, and corn. Oranges, figs, dates, and pomegran¬ 
ates, are among its fruits. 

3. But a small part of Florida is under cultivation. Many 
portions of it are better suited for a grazing than an agricul¬ 
tural district. Large herds of cattle, horses, and swine, range 
over its pastures. 

4. Live-oak timber, so valuable in ship-building, is one of 
the most important products of Florida; and, with cedar logs, 
boards, scantling, &c., are cut to a considerable extent: 

5. The Seminole Indians occupied, until lately, the Everglades, a 
flat, marshy district, in the southern part of the territory. From thij 
region the savages sallied forth, committing numerous depredations 
upon the white inhabitants. In 1842, after a contest of several years’ 
duration, they were removed to the Indian Territory. 

6. St. Augustine, 260 miles south of Charleston, is the oldest town 
in the United States, and is built in the Spanish style. Its climate is 
delightful, and it is often resorted to by invalids in quest of health. 

7 i allahassce, the capital of Florida, is 21 miles north of St. Mark’s, 
on Apalachee Bay. It contains the Capitol, and several churches and 
banfcs. St. Mark’s, Apalachicola, and St. Joseph’s, are the chief com¬ 
mercial places of Middle Florida. They are all thriving towns. Pen¬ 
sacola is important as.a naval station for United States’ ships of war 


Map No. 5. — What bounds Florida on the north ? Ga., Aa. — On 
the east? A.-On. — West and south? G.-Mo. — What Cape is on the 
east coast ? Cl. — What Capes on the west ? S.-Bs., Rs., Se. — What 
Bays on the west ? Pa., Ae., Vr., Ta., Cm. — What are the two chief 
lakes ? Ge., Oe. 


Map No. 12.—What river separates Florida from Alabama ? Po.— 
What from Georgia ? S.-Ms,—What rivers flow into Pensacola Bay ? 
Ea., B.-Wr., Y.-Wr. — What into Choctawhatchie Bay ? Ce. — Into 
Apalachee Bay ? Oy., Oa. — Into Vacassar Bay ? Se. — What river 
flo ors into the Atlantic Ocean north of St. Augustine ? S.-Js. — What 
into the Gulf of Mexico at Apalachicola ? Aa. — Tell the lengths of 
the seven rivers that have figures attached to them.—What is the popu¬ 
lation of Tallahassee? — St. Augustine ? — Pensacola? — In what 
counties are these towns ? Ln., S.-Jn., Ea. 


country ? Of the soil ? Of its productions ? 3. For what is it better 
suited ? 4. What is cut to a considerable extent ? Which are the 
chief articles of export ? 5. What is said of the Seminole Indians ? 
What did they commit? 6. Describe St. Augustine. 7. Tallahassee, 
and the other towns. 





ALABAMA. 


149 


110 



Steam boat loading with cotton. 


ALABAMA. 

1. Alabama is remarkable for its rapid growth in popula¬ 
tion, wealth, and general prosperity. In the year 1810, its 
inhabitants were less than 10,000 in number; and now the 
State contains nearly seventy times that amount. 

2. Cotton is the chief agricultural product; in 1840 
upwards of 117 million pounds were raised in the state. 
Corn, the principal grain, is raised all over the state, and 
some tobacco is cultivated in the northern counties. 

3. Several useful works of internal improvement have been 
lately constructed, and others are proposed. The principal 
of these will connect the most fertile districts in the interior 
with the Gulf of Mexico, and add greatly to the wealth and 
prosperity of the State. 

4. The various rivers which traverse both the northern and 
southern sections of Alabama admit of an extensive steam¬ 
boat navigation, by which the valuable productions of the 

Alabama. Q. — 1. For what is Alabama remarkable ? How many 
inhabitants were there in 1810? IIow many now? 2. What is the 
chief product ? tVh it are also cultivated ? 3. What is said of works 

of internal improvement? 4. For what are the rivers well adapted? 















150 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


mterioi State are conveyed to its great commercial markets, 
Mobile and New Orleans. 

5. The people of Alabama were greatly harassed during the late 
war by the depredations of the Creek and Seminole Indians; they 
were, however, signally defeated in several desperate engagements, of 
which Tohopeka was the principal. 

6. Mobile, at the head of Mobile Bay, was the first settled place in 
the stale; it is the chief depot of its commerce. Tuscaloosa, the late 
capital, is a town of some trade; it contains the University of Alabama. 

7. Montgomery, on the Alabama river, became in 1847 the capital 
of the state. Wetumpka on the Coosa, and Gainesville on the Tom- 
bigby, all in the centre of the state, are thriving towns. Florence, 
Tuscumbia, Decatur, and Huntsville, in the valley of the Tennessee 
river, are each places of some note. 


Map No. 12.—What bounds Alabama on the north? Te. — The 
east ? Ga. —The west ? Mi. —What state and gulf on the south ? 
Fa., Mo.—What river separates Alabama from Florida? Po.—What 
river flows into Mobile Bay ? Me. —What two rivers form Mobile 
river ? Ty., Aa. —What rivers form the Alabama ? Ca., Ta. —What 
river flows through the northern part of the state ? Te. — On what 
river is Tuscaloosa ? B.-Wr. — How long is the Tombigby ? Alaba¬ 
ma ? Coosa ? Tallapoosa ? What is the population of Mobile ? 
Wetumpka? Huntsville? Tuscaloosa? Florence? Montgomery? 
In what county is Mobile? Me. — Tuscaloosa? Ta. — Florence? 
Le. —Huntsville ? Mn. —Wetumpka ? Ca. — How many miles are 
the following rivers navigable for steam-boats : viz. Tennessee ? Tom- 
bigby? Black Warrior? Alabama? In what year w T as the battle 
of Tohopeka fought ? On what river is Florence ? Decatur ? Sec. 

-HI- 

MISSISSIPPI. 

1. This state, like Alabama, is remarkable for the great 
increase of its population. Emigration some years ago was 
so extensive, that the number T the inhabitants, between the 
years 1830 and 1840, was very nearly trebled. 

2. Cotton is the chief production of Mississippi, and it 
employs nearly all the industry of the people. The crop in 
1840 was upwards of 193 million pounds, being the largest 

5. By whom were the people harassed? What is said of them? 

6. Describe Mobile. Tuscaloosa. 7. Montgomery. Wetumpka and 
other towns. 

Mississippi. Q. —1. What is this state remarkable for ? What has 
taken place since 1830? 2. What is the chief production ? What 






MISSISSIPPI 


151 



View on the Mississippi River. 


of any state in the Union. Some tobacco and rice are culti¬ 
vated, and Indian corn is raised to a considerable extent. 

3. Some sugar has been produced in the southern counties, 
but the cane does not appear to thrive. Sweet potatoes, with 
the peach, fig, and other fruits, grow in abundance. Several 
important rail-roads have been projected, and some of them 
are completed. 

4. Mississippi is now entirely under the control of a white popula¬ 
tion. The northern and central parts of the state were lately occupied 
by the Choctaw and Chickasaw Indians; but these have nearly all 
removed to the Indian Territory. 

5. Jackson, on the west bank of the Pearl river, is the capital of the 
state. It is finely situated, and contains the State House, Penitentiary, 
and other public buildings. 

6. Natchez is the largest and most important place in the state. It 
is nearly 300 miles above New Orleans ; and is built principally on a 
high bluff, 200-feet above the surface of the Mississippi. That part 
of the town on the margin of the river is called Natchez ; below 
the hill,it is chiefly a collection of stores. The upper town is regu¬ 
larly laid out, and has wide streets, ornamented with fine shade- 
trees. A great amount of cotton is shipped from this city; and its 
inland and river trade is extensive. 


were formerly cultivated ? Of Indian corn ? 3. Of sugar ? What is 

said of the rail-roads ? 4. Of Mississippi ? The northern and central 

parts? 5. Describe Jackson. 6. Natchez. What of its commerce? 






















DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


152 

7. Vicksburg is on the left bank of the Mississippi river, 520 miles 
from its mouth. It is a flourishing place, and, like Natchez, has a 
great trade in cotton. The town is situated on the shelving side of 
some hills, with the houses built in groups upon the terraces. It is 
connected with the capital by a rail-road. 

8. Among other thriving places in the state, are Grand Gulf, on the 
Mississippi river, and Port Gibson, 7 miles from it, in the interior 
Manchester, or Yazoo city, on the Yazoo, Grenada, on the Yalabusha 
and Aberdeen and Columbus, on the Tombigby river. The latter i 
the north-eastern emporium of the state. 

Map No. 12.—What state bounds Mississippi on the north ? Te. — 
On the south ? La., G.-Mo. — On the east? Aa.— On the west? As, 
La.—What river separates it from Louisiana and Arkansas? Mi.— 
On what river is Natchez ? Jackson ? Grand Gulf? Vicksburg ? 
Manchester, or Yazoo city? Grenada? Columbus?—What is the 
population of each of these towns ? — How many miles from the sea 
do steam-boats ascend the Tombigby? Tallahatchie? Yalabusha? 
Big Black ? Pearl ? — How far is Vicksburg from the sea ? Wln.t 
kind of vessels ascend to it? In what county is Natchez? As.— 
Vicksburg? Wn. — Jackson? Hs.—Columbus? Ls. — Grand 
Gulf? Ce. 

—- 112 - 

LOUISIANA. 

1. The territory comprising this state, together with the 
vast region lying west of the Mississippi river, was formerly 
all called Louisiana, and was purchased from France by the 
United States’ Government in 1803. 

2. The country bordering the Mississippi, in this state, is 
generally lower than the surface of the water, and a large 
portion of it is protected by levees, or embankments of earth, 
nearly 200 miles along the shores of the river. 

3. The great staples of Louisiana are sugar and cotton, but 
rice, corn, and tobacco, are also cultivated. A vast amoun 
of capital is invested in the sugar business, in lands, slaves 
&c., and the produce of that article has increased tenfol 
within twenty years; in 1845 it amounted to about 207 mil 
lion pounds. 

4. During the late war, a powerful British army invaded this state, 

* Vicksburg ? How are ships brought up to this place ? 8. The other 
«wns ? 

Louisiana. Q. — 1. What is said of the territory comprising this 
'mte ? When was it purchased ? 2. What is said of the country ? 

What are the great staples ? 4. What took place during the late 






LOUISIANA. 


153 



Battle of New Orleans. 


put they were totally defeated by the American army, under General 
Jackson, January 8th, 1815, and left the country shortly afterwards. 

5. New Orleans, the capital of the state, is on the left bank of the 
Mississippi river, about 100 miles from its mouth. The inland and 
foreign trade of this city is very great. From 1500 to 2000 flat-boats, 
50 to 60 steam-boats, and a forest of the masts of sea vessels, may be 
seen nearly always lying along its levee. 

6. The produce that arrives at New Orleans annually from the 
various states, &c., watered by the Mississippi river and its tributary 
streams, is estimated to amount in value from fifty millions to seventy- 
five millions of dollars; among which, cotton, flour, sugar, tobacco, 
pork, hemp, and lead, are the principal staples. 

7. The city is built on level ground, and is several feet below the sur¬ 
face of the river at high water. It contains a number of public build¬ 
ings, some of which are splendid structures. The population during 
the winter season is from 40,000 to 50,000 greater than at other periods. 

8. The towns in Louisiana are all small; some of them, however 
have considerable trade. Donaldsonville, Plaquemine, Baton Rouge 
Bayou Sara, and St. Francisville, are on the Mississippi river, and 
Alexandria, Natchitoches, and Shreveport, on Red river. 

9. The great Raft, an immense accumulation of timber, which pre 
vented navigation to the upper parts of Red river, has been lately cut 
through, and steam-boats can now ascend that stream several hundred 
miles further than formerly. 


war ? When were they defeated ? 5. Describe New Orleans. 6. What 
ef the produce ? 7. How is the city built ? What of the population ? 

£. The other towns ? 9. The great Raft ? 

U 


























DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


154 

Map No. 12.—By what is Louisiana bounded on the north? As., Mi. 
— On the east ? Mi. — South ? G.-Mo. — West ? Ts. — What rivers 
separate Louisiana from Mississippi ? Mi., PL — What river from 
Texas? Se. — What lakes in the eastern part of the state? Pn., 
Be. — What two in the southern part ? Cu., Mu. — How long is the 
Mississippi? Red river? Washita? Sabine? Calcasiu ? Baj'ou 
Macon ? Some rivers are termed Bayous in Louisiana. What is lire 
population of New Orleans ? Donaldsonville ? Baton Rouge ? Alex¬ 
andria ? Natchitoches ? In what parishes are these situated ? N.-Os., 
An., E.-B.-Re., Rs., Ns.—When was the battle of New Orleans fought ? 

-113- 



View on the Prairies of Texas —Catching wild horses. 

TEXAS. 


1. The state of Texas, the 28th in number, was annexed 
to the United States, by the consent of the Legislatures of 
both republics, in the year 1845. It was formerly a Mexican 
State, but the people, in 1836, achieved their independence 
by defeating Santa Anna, the Mexican President, at the battle 
of San Jacinto. 

2. Texas extends from the Gulf of Mexico north to Red 
river, and the 42° of north latitude, and west from the Sabine 
river to the Rio Grande del Norte. It is about seven times 
larger than the state of Pennsylvania. 

Texas. Q. — 1. What is said of the state of Texas ? What was it 
formerly ? What occurred in 1836 ? 2. How far does Texas extend? 























TEXAS. 


155 


3. The climate is mild and healthful. The face of the 
country consists chiefly of vast prairies, the soil of which is 
exceedingly fertile, and produces cotton, tobacco, sugar, rice, 
wheat, &c. Silver is reported to exist, as well as lead, cop¬ 
per, coal, and salt; but the mineral products of this country 
are not yet exploi ed. 

4. Texas is one of the finest countries in the world for 
Taising cattle. Pasturage being very plentiful, they increase 
rapidly, and great numbers of them are driven every year 
into the adjacent States, for sale. 

5. Vast herds of buffalo, deer, and mustangs or wild Worses, roam 
over the prairies of the interior. N umbers of the latter are taken with 
a leather thong or rope, with a running noose at the end of it, and being 
properly broke are used, either as draught or saddle horses. 

6. The inhabitants of Texas are nearly all Anglo-Americans, emi¬ 
grants from the United States. There are also some Mexicans, Negro 
slaves, and Indians. The whole amounts to about 250,000; of which 
the slaves constitute about one-tenth part. 

7. Austin, the capital of Texas, is on the Colorado river, about 200 
miles from the sea. The other principal towns are Houston, Brazoria, 
Matagorda, San Felipe, Nacogdoches, San Augustine, and Galveston. 
The latter is on Galveston Island. It is the chief sea-port of Texas. 

8. The commerce of Texas already employs a number of trading 
vessels between the principal towns and New Orleans ; and foreign 
vessels carry the products of the state to various European ports. 


Map No. 13.—What bounds Texas on the North ? I.-Ty. — South ? 
G.-Mo. — East ? La., I.-Ty. — West ? Mo. — What river forms the 
north boundary? Rd. — East? Se. — West? R. G. Ne.—Which 
are the other chief rivers of Texas ? Co., Bs., Ty., Ns. — How long 
are they ? From what lake does the Brazos river flow ? Se. — On 
what river is Austin ? Co. — Into what bay does it flow ? Ma. — 
How far do steain-boats ascend the Brazos river ? When, and where, 
was the battle of San Jacinto? Point out the Cross Timbers. This 
is a remarkable forest in the midst of the prairies: it extends north, 
ward from the Brazos river for a distance of a hundred miles. What 
Indian tribes are there in Texas ? As., Cs., Ls., Ks. 


How does it compare with Pennsylvania? 3. What is said of the 
climate ? Face of the country ? Soil ? Products ? Silver, &c. ? 
4. What is Texas ? 5. What is said of Buffalo, &c. ? How are they 

taken? 6. What are the inhabitants ? 7. What is said of the towns 

in Texas ? 8. Of the commerce ? 





WESTERN STATES. 

1. The Western States comprise Ohio, Kentucky, Tennes¬ 
see, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, and Arkansas, the 
organized territories of Wisconsin and Iowa, together with 
the Indian Territory, and the unorganized territories of Mis¬ 
souri and Oregon. 

2. From the great extent of this region, its climate pos 
sesses considerable variety of temperature; the winters are 
more variable, and the quantity of snow is less than in the 
same parallels in the Atlantic States. 

3. The most striking features of this vast country are its 
numerous rivers, towering forests, and extensive prairies. 
The latter are wide-spreading plains, stretching farther thaii 
the eye can reach, destitute, for the most part, of trees, and 
covered with tall grass and flowering shrubs. 

4. That part of this region lying between the Rocky and 
Alleghany Mountains is often called the Mississippi Valley, 


Western States. Q. — 1. What do the Western States comprise ? 
2. What is said of the climate ? The winters ? 3. The most striking 

features ? What are prairies ? 4. What is part of this region called 1 





















WESTERN STATES. 


157 


from its being chiefly watered by that great river, and its 
tributary streams. These afford immense facilities for inter¬ 
nal commerce, and, in fact, constitute it one of the best 
watered districts on the face of the globe. 

5. There are, at present, on the western wafers about 400 steam¬ 
boats, many hundreds of arks or flat-boats, besides a multitude of 
smaller craft constantly engaged in the commerce of the country, and 
immense quantities of produce of various kinds arc annually conveyed 
by them to New Orleans. 

6. Lead, iron, coal, salt, and lime, abound in the Western 
States, and, probably, no region of equal extent in the world 
exhibits such a combination of mineral wealth and fertility 
of soil, united with such rare facilities of transportation. 

7. Cotton and tobacco are produced in the southern dis¬ 
tricts, while wheat, Indian corn, hemp, oats,* and barley, are 
extensively cultivated in the other parts. Cattle, hogs, and 
horses, are raised in abundance, and constitute. an important 
part of the wealth of the people of these states. 

8. A considerable portion of the western country.has been recently 
settled; but the cheapness of land, the fertility of the soil, and the 
general character of the climate, are causing a tide of emigration to 
flow, which is filling up the country with unexampled rapidity. 

9. A laudable zeal is manifested in the cause of education. The 
number of common schools is rapidly increasing, while colleges and 
the higher seminaries of learning are also multiplying. 

10. The population of the Western States and Territories amounts 
to more than five millions, of which the negro slaves constitute about 
one-eleventh part. Slavery is prevalent in Tennetsee, Kentucky, 
Missouri, and Arkansas, but does not exist in the other states and 
territories. 


-115- 

11. Nearly all the Indians in the United States are found 
within the limits of this quarter of the Union. Some of these 


Why ? What do they afford ? 5. What is said of steam-boats, arks. 

See. ? What is conveyed by them ? 6. What is said of lead, iron, &c. ? 
7. What is produced in the southern districts ? In other parts ? What 
of cattle, Sec. ? 8. What has been recently settled ? What is filling 

up the country ? 9. What is manifested ? Of common schools, col¬ 
leges, &c. ? 10. Of the population? Where is slavery prevalent? 

11. What is said of the Indians? What is narrowing their bounds 





DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


158 


are partially civilized, but a considerable number still remain 
unchanged; and while the settlements, arts, and improve¬ 
ments of white men are narrowing their boundaries, they still 
retain their original savage character and condition. 



Indians viewing the improvements of white men. 


12. The Creeks, Choctaws, Cherokees, and other tribes now resident 
in the Indian Territory, are under the protection of the General Gov. 
ernment, and increase steadily in population and prosperity: while the 
Sioux, Riccarees, Black Feet, and other rude, roving bands of the 
Upper Missouri, are decreasing rapidly in number and importance. 

13. Within a few years, the small-pox has swept them by thousands 
from the face of the earth; and tribes but lately numerous and power 
ful are now recnifced to a few individuals. 


Map No. 5. —Which is the largest Western State? Mi. — The 
smallest ? Ia. — The most northern ? Mn. — Southern ? As. — 
Eastern? Oo.—Western? Mi.—Which is the largest western ter¬ 
ritory? On. — The most northern and western? On. — The mos* 
eastern ? Wn. — Most southern ? In. — The western states and ter¬ 
ritories extend from latitude 33 to 49 degrees. How much latitude 
do they include? They extend from about 4 degrees of longitude 
to 56 degrees west from Washington. How much longitude do 
they include ? What states have the Mississippi river for their west- 


ries ? What do they still retain ? 12. What of the Creeks, Choctaws, 

Ac. ? The Sioux, Riccarees, &c ? 13. What is said of the small¬ 

pox? 















OHIO. 


159 


cm boundary ? Te., Ky., Is., Wn. —Which have the Mississippi for 
their eastern boundary ? As., Mi., Ia. —Which states have the Ohio 
for their southern boundary? Oo., Ia., Is.—What state has the Ohio 
for its northern boundary ? Ky.—Which has the Ohio for its western 
boundary? Va. — How many miles by the scale from the mouth of 
Columbia river eastward to the Rocky Mountains ? How many miles 
from the Rocky Mountains to Lake Michigan, measured on the paral 
lei of 44 degrees ? How many miles from the head of the Arkansas 
to the head of the Alleghany river ? This is about the greatest extent 
hat can be measured through the centre of the Mississippi valley east 
and west. How far from the head to the mouth of the Mississippi 
river in a straight line ? How far from the mouth of the Ohio river 
to the northern boundary of Illinois ? and from the same point to the 
east boundary of Kentucky ? The states of Missouri and Indiana 
are about the same extent from north to south. What is the number 
of miles? 



OHIO. 

1. This flourishing state, though settled so lately as the 
year 1789, already ranks next to Pennsylvania in the number 
of its inhabitants; and its increase in wealth and importance 
is unequalled in the history of any other country. 

2. The southern section of Ohio is uneven and hilly; the 


Ohio. Q.—1 • When was this state settled ? How does it rank ? 
2. What is said of it ? How is it intersected ? 3. What are the 


















DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


160 

remainder is generally level, with extensive prairies in many 
parts. The whole state is intersected with numerous rivers, 
which afford a vast amount of water-power for mills, manu¬ 
factories, &c. 

3. The staple products are wheat and corn; but ryer, cats, 
buckwheat, and tobacco, are cultivated. Orchards flourish 
here, and produce the finest apples, and all the fruits of the 
Western States, in perfection. Horses, cattle, and hogs, are 
abundant, and thousands are every year driven to the eastern 
markets. 

4. Iron and coal are found in vast quantities, and salt 
springs are numerous. Manufactures are carried to a 
greater extent than in any other western state. They consist 
of cotton and woollen goods, with flour, paper, and machinery. 

5. The Ohio state canals were projected about the year 1823; they 
are for the most part completed, and in successful operation. The in. 
fluence of these works has, in many cases, enhanced four-fold the 
value of private property in and near the places where they are located, 
besides increasing greatly the commerce of the state. Various other 
canals and rail-roads are in the course of construction. 

6. Columbus, the capital of the state, is on the left bank of the Scioto 
river, 100 miles from the Ohio, and is situated in a rich and beautiful 
district. It is regularly laid out, and contains several public buildings 
churches, &c. 

7. Cincinnati is on the right bank of the Ohio river, 520 miles from 
its mouth. The growth of this city has been exceedingly rapid, and 
has kept pace with the increase of the state. It is regularly laid out: 
many of its private dwellings are elegant, its public edifices are nume¬ 
rous, and some of them are handsome specimens of architecture. 

8. This city carries on an immense trade both up and down the 
Ohio river, and the Miami canal, which joins the former at this place. 
Pork is one of the chief articles of trade ; besides which, wheat, flour, 
whiskey, and a great variety of manufactured articles, are exported. 

9. Zanesville is an important place, and is noted for its flour-mills 
and various manufacturing establishments. Cleveland is the prim 
cipal port on Lake Erie, and is a place of extensive business. Steu¬ 
benville, Dayton, Portsmouth, Toledo, and Sandusky, are all thriving 
and flourishing towns. 


staple products ? What is said of horses, &c. ? 4. Iron and coal ? 
Manufactures ? 5. State canals ? What has been their influence ? 
Other canals and rail-roads ? 6. Describe Columbus. 7. Cincinnati. 

How is it laid out ? 8. What does it carry on ? What are exported ? 

9. Describe Zanesville. Cleveland. Steubenville, and the other 
towns. 



KENTUCKY. 


161 

Map No. 14. — What bounds Ohio on the north? Mn., L.-Ee.— 
South? Ky., Va. — East? Va., Pa. — West? Ia.— What river 
forms its south boundary ? Oo. — What rivers flow into Lake Erie ? 
Me., Sy., Hn., Ca. — Which flow into the Ohio river? Mi., L.-Mi., 
So., Mm. — What is the population of Cincinnati? Zanesville? 
Cleveland ? Steubenville ? Columbus ? Chillicothe ? Dayton ? Ports¬ 
mouth ? In what counties are these places ? Hn., Mm., Ca., Jn., Fn., 
Rs., My., So. — How long is the Ohio ? Maumee ? Miami ? Scioto ? 
Muskingum? What road extends through the state from east to 
west ? Nl. — On what rivers are Zanesville, Dayton, and the other 
chief towns ? 

-117- 



Early Settlers attacked by Indians. 

KENTUCKY. 


1. This state was first settled by the celebrated Daniel 
Boone and others, in 1769. It formed for a time a part of 
Virginia, but in 1790 a separation took place, and two years 
afterwards Kentucky was admitted into the Union. 

2. The surface in the eastern section of the state is hilly 
and undulating, but in the western it is level, occasionally 
extending into prairies. Much of the soil of Kentucky is 
celebrated for its fertility. 

3. The principal products are Indian corn, wheat, oats, 

Kentucky. Q.— 1. By whom was this state settled? What did it 
f '-ia i What took place ? 2. What ia said of the surface ? Of the 

V 












162 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


hemp, and tobacco. Cattle, horses, and hogs, are raised to 
a great extent, and numbers are annually driven into the 
neighbouring states. 

4. Salt springs or licks are numerous, from which large 
quantities of salt are made. Great numbers of the bones of 
the mammoth have also been found in some of them. 

5. There are several extensive caves found in this state that are 
great curiosities, of which the Mammoth Cave is the most remarkable, 

, having been explored to a distance of several miles from its mouth. 
The earth in some of these caves is strongly impregnated with nitre 
or saltpetre, and considerable quantities of that article were made from 
it during the late war. 

6. Until the year 1795 the people suffered greatly from Indian hos¬ 
tilities ; many had fallen in battle in their fields or houses, by the hands 
of their savage foes; but since that period, Kentucky has advanced 
rapidly in population, wealth, and importance. 

7. Frankfort, the capital of the state, stands on the right bank of the 
Kentucky river, 70 miles from its mouth. Lexington, the oldest town 
m the state, i3 25 miles east of Frankfort, in the midst of a well-culti¬ 
vated district. It is the seat of Transylvania University. 

8. Louisville, the principal city of Kentucky, is on the left bank of 
the Ohio, 370 miles from its mouth. It carries on an extensive trade. 
Many thousands of flat-boats arrive here, yearly, from all parts of the 
upper Ohio, and steam-boats are daily arriving and departing in every 
direction. The town is well built, and regularly laid out; with spacious, 
straight, and well-paved streets, running parallel with the river, inter¬ 
sected by others meeting them at right angles. Louisville was founded 
in the year 1780; in 1828, it was incorporated as a city. 

9. Maysville is a flourishing commercial place. Newport and Co¬ 
vington, both opposite Cincinnati, are thriving towns, and contain some 
manuft.oiures of cotton-bagging. These towns are all on the Ohio river. 

Map No. 14. — What states bound Kentucky on the north ? Is., Ia., 
Oo. — South ? Te. — East ? Va. — West ? Mi., As. — What river 
forms its northern boundary ? Oo. — Its western ? Mi. — What river 
and mountains are its eastern boundary ? B.-Sy., Cd. — Which are the 
principal rivers in the state ? Te., Cd., Gn., Ky., Lg. — Tell the lengths 
of all these. On what river is Frankfort? Louisville? Maysville? 
Covington? What is the population of each of these towns? Of 
Lexington? Which is the most northern county? Be. Eastern? 
Fd. — Western ? Hn. 


soil ? 3. The principal products ? Cattle, &c. ? 4. Of salt springs ? 
What has been found in some of them ? 5. What is said of the caves ? 

Of the ea/th in them ? 6. Of the people ? 7. Describe Frankfort, 

Lexington. 8. Louisville. 9. Maysville, and other towns. 




TENNESSEE 


163 


118 



Tennessee Iron Worts —View of the Cumberland Mountains. 


TENNESSEE. 

1. The country comprising the state of Tennessee, was 
originally a part of North Carolina. In 1790, that state 
ceded it to the General Government. In the same year it 
was organized into the Territory south-west of the Ohio 
river; and in 1796 became an independent state. 

2. West Tennessee lies between the Mississippi and Ten¬ 
nessee rivers. Middle Tennessee extends eastward to the 
Cumberland mountains; and East Tennessee is situated 
between the latter and the eastern limits of the state. 

3. The climate is mild, and salubrious, and the soil gen¬ 
erally fertile. Agriculture is the chief employment. A 
greater amount of Indian corn is raised here than in any 
other state in the Union. Cotton and tobacco are extensively 
cultivated; besides wheat, rye, hemp, &c. 

4. The mountains contain numerous caverns, which abound in 
nitrous earth, from which saltpetre is made. Iron, gold, coal, and salt, 


Tennessee. Q. — 1. What was Tennessee originally ? When did it 
become an independent state ? 2. Where is West Tennessee ? Mid- 

die Tennessee ? East Tennessee ? 3. What is said of the climate ? 

Of agriculture ? 4. What do the mountains contain ? What are the 
















DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


164 

are the chief minerals. The iron made in the state gives employment 
to a number of furnaces, rolling-mills, and nail-works. 

5 Nashville, the capital, is on the left bank of Cumberland river, 
200 miles from its moutli: it is situated in. a fertile and picturesque 
district; and contains an elegant State House recently erected, besides 
some other fine buildings. 

6. Memphis is the second town in the state : it stands on a fine 
bluff on the east bank of the Mississippi river, and bids fair to become 
an important town. A United States Navy Yard is established here. 

7. Knoxville, on the Holston river, was the first seat of government 
of Tennessee. Franklin and Columbia, both south of Nashville, Mur¬ 
freesboro’, south-east of the same, and Bolivar, on the Hatchee river, 
are among the most flourishing towns in Tennessee. 

Map No. 12.—What state bounds Tennessee on the north? Ky.— 
On the south? Mi., Aa., Ga. — East? N.-Ca. — West? As.— 
What river separates this state from Arkansas ? Mi. — Which are the 
two principal rivers ? Te., Cd. — Name the head branches of the Ten¬ 
nessee ? PL, Ch., Hn., F.-Bd. — Tell, how long all these rivers are ? 
How many miles from the sea do steam-boats navigate the Hatchee, 
Cumberland, and Holston rivers ? To what towns do they ascend ? 
Br., Co., Ke. — What mountains separate Tennessee from North Caro¬ 
lina ? Ay. — The Alleghany Mts., in this part, are distinguished by the 
local names of Stone Mt., Smoky Mt., &c. — What mountains between 
the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers ? Cd. — How high are they ? 
What is the population of Nashville ? Memphis ? Knoxville ? Colum¬ 
bia ? In what counties are each of these towns ? Dn., Sy., Kx., My 

-119- 

MICHIGAN. 

1 . This state comprises two large peninsulas, one of which 
ts situated between Lakes Huron and Michigan, and the other 
between Lakes Superior and Michigan. 

2. The former contains the white population of the state, 
while the latter is inhabited almost solely by a few Indians, 
and is but little known. 

• 3. The settled part of Michigan is level, and fertile. Large 
crops of wheat, corn, oats, and rye, are obtained; while 
apples, pears, and other fruits, grow in abundance. 

4. The great lakes by which Michigan is surrounded, are 

chief minerals ? What is said of iron ? 5. Describe Nashville. 

6. Memphis. 7. Knoxville, and the other towr.s. 

Michigan. Q. — 1. What does this state comprise? How are they 
situated ? 2. What does the former contain ? The latter ? 3. What 

is said of the settled part ? What are obtained ? 4. How is Michigan 






MICHIGAN. 


1G5 



Perry’s Victory. 

navigable by vessels of the largest size, and even naval bat- 
ties have been fought on them. Perry’s victory was gained 
within the limits of this state, September, 1813. 

5. Numerous steam-boats and other craft are employed in the trade 
of the country, and in conveying emigrants from the east to the west. 
Copper is found in abundance along the Michigan or southern shores 
of Lake Superior. 

6. Deti'oit, the capital, i3 on the river of the same name; it is admi¬ 
rably situated for commerce, of which its share is already extensive 
The city is regularly laid out, and contains a number of handsome pub¬ 
lic buildings. The population is now four times greater than in 1830. 

7. Monroe City, near the mouth of the River Raisin, is an important 
and thriving place. Mackinaw, on an island at the entrance to Lake 
Michigan, and St. Mary’s, at Fort Brady, are the most northern settle- 
ments in the state; the former was long noted for its fur trade, which 
of late years has been on the decline. Mount Clemens, Tecumseh, and 
Ann-Arbour, in the eastern, and Niles and St. Joseph, in the western 
section of Michigan, are all flourishing towns. 

Map No. 5. —What lake bounds Michigan on the north ? Sr. — On 
the east ? Hn. —West ? Mn. —What states on the south ? Ia., Oo 
—What rivers separate Michigan from Wisconsin ? Ml., Me. —Whal 
country east of Michigan? C.-Wt.—What territory on the west? 
Wn. —Where is Mackinaw ? F^rt Brady ? 

surrounded ? W'hat has taken place on them ? 5. What is said of 

gteam-boats, &c. ? Of copper ? 6. Describe Detroit. 7. Monroe ^ity 

Mackinaw, &c. Mount Clemens, and other towns. 









1GG DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 

Map No. 14. —What lake lies between Lakes Huron and Erie ? 
S.-Cr. —What river unites it to Lake Huron ? S.-Cr. —Which to 
Lake Erie? Dt.—What is the population of Detroit? Monroe? 
Niles? To what place on the St. Joseph’s river do steam-boats ascend? 
How far from the sea is it ? On what river is Grand Haven ? Palmer ? 
Saginaw. 


Battle of Tippecanoe. 

INDIANA. 

1. Indiana is the smallest in extent of the Western States; 
it is similar to Ohio in soil and surface, but contains a larger 
proportion of prairie land. 

2. The labour of the farmer is here amply repaid with 
luxuriant crops of Indian corn, wheat, rye, and oats, which, 
with beef, pork, &c., are the chief articles of exportation. 

3. The mineral resources of Indiana have been but little 
attended to; but coal, iron, lime, and salt, are known to 
abound, and Epsom salts are found in a cave near Cory don. 

4. An extensive system of canals and rail-roads has been adopted 
by this state, which, when completed, will be of immense advantage 
to the inhabitants. 

5. The people of Indiana were greatly harassed by the Indians 


Indiana. Q. — 1. What is Indiana ? In what is it similar to Ohio ? 
2. How is the farmer repaid ? 3. What are the minerals ? 4. What 

of canals and rail-roads ? 5. By whom were the people harassed ? 




















ILLINOIS. 


167 

antil the'year 1811, when General H irrison defeated the Shawancse 
Prophet, after a gallant contest, near the mouth of the Tippecanoe 
river. 

6. Indianapolis, the capital of the state, stands on a fine plain near 
the White river, and is laid out with much taste and regularity. It 
Contains several handsome public buildings. 

7. New Albany, on the Ohio river, is the largest town in the state: 
it carries on a considerable trade. Madison and Jeffersonville, als*r 
on the Ohio, are flourishing towns. Vevay is settled by a colony os 
industrious Swiss, who cultivate extensive vineyards, and make con 
siderable quantities of excellent wine. 

8. Vincennes is the oldest town in Indiana. New Harmony, Terr* 
Haute, Lafayette, and Logansport, on the Wabash river, are all thriving 
towns. Michigan City, at the head of Lake Michigan, South Bend, 
on the St. Joseph’s, and Fort Wayne, on the Maumee river, are the 
principal places in the north part of the state. 


Map No. 14. — What state on the north ? Mn. — On the south ? Ky 
— East ? Oo. — West ? Is. — Which river on the south ? Oo. — On 
the west ? Wh. — What river flows into Lake Erie ? Me. — What 
rivers flow into the Wabash ? El., Se., My., Te., We. — How long are 
the foregoing rivers ? How far from the sea do steam-boats navigate 
the Wabash ? East fork of White river ? What is the population of 
New Albany ? Madison ? Rushville ? Indianapolis ? Vincennes ? 
Terre Haute ? Lafayette ? Logansport ? In what counties are all 
these towns? Fd., Jn., Rh., Mn., Kx., Vo., Te.., Cs. — When was the 
battle of Tippecanoe fought ? On what rivers are the chief towns ? 

- 121 - 

ILLINOIS. 

1. Illinois is one of the most fertile states in the Union: 
it consists chiefly of rich and extensive prairies, and is watered 
by a number of beautiful streams, of which, the Illinois, and 
some others, are navigated by steam-boats. 

2. Agriculture is the chief and most profitable employment. 
Tne principal products are Indian corn, wheat, rye, hemp, 
and tobacco. Cattle, horses, and swine abound, and are 
raised on the fertile prairies with but little trouble. 

3. The chief minerals are lead and coal. The first is the most 

8. Describe Indianapolis. 7. New Albany. Madison. 8. Vincennes^ 
and the other towns. 

Illinois. Q. — 1. What is Illinois ? Of what does it consist ? 
I. What is said of agriculture ? Cattle, &c. ? 3. Of mineials ? The 






168 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 



Illinois College in the distance. 

abundant. The lead-mines around Galena, with those of the adjoining 
Territory of Wisconsin, are among the richest in the world, and covei 
a region of country hundreds of square miles in extent. 

4. The canal to connect Lake Michigan with the Illinois river is 
nearly completed. Several rail-roads to intersect the state in various 
directions have been projected. 

5. Chicago, near the head of Lake Michigan, is the most important 
place in Illinois. It has become, within a few years, the centre of a 
large and growing trade. Numerous steam-boats, ships, brigs, and 
other vessels, are constantly arriving at, and departing from, its 
wharves. 

6. Springfield, the capital, is very near the centre of the state, and 
not far from the southern bank of the Sangamon river. It is a flourish¬ 
ing town, and is situated in one of the most fertile districts of Illinois. 

7 Peoria, Beardstown, and Naples, on the Illinois river, Quincy and 
Alton, on the Mississippi, Galena, in the northern part of the state, and 
Jacksonville, near its centre, are thriving places. In the vicinity of 
the latter is Illinois College, the principal literary institution in the 
state. Nauvoo, the Mormon city, is on the east bank of the Mississippi 
river, 200 miles above St. Louis. 


Map No. 14. — What bounds Illinois on the north? W.-Ty. — On 
the south? Ky. — East? Ia. — West? Mi., I.-Ty. — What river 
on the west ? Mi. — On the south ? Oo. — On the east ? Wh. — 


lead-mines? 4. Canals ? Rail-roads? 5. Describe Chicago. 6 
Spring Add, X. Peoria, Beardstown &e Quincy, Alton, Galena, &c. 
















MISSOURI. 


169 


What rivers flow into the Mississippi ? Rk., Is., Ka. —What rivers 
into the Illinois ? Ke., D.-Ps., Fx., Vn., Mw., Sn M Sn.—What rivers 
flow into the Wabash ? Vn., Es., L.-Wh. — How long is each of the 
foregoing rivers ? What lake on the north-east? Mn. — How many 
inhabitants has Chicago ? Galena ? Peoria ? Quincy ? Springfield ? 
Jacksonville ? Alton ? In what counties are these towns ? Ck., Js., 
Pa., As., Sn., Mn., Mn. — How far from the sea do steam-boats ascend 
the Illinois ? Rock ? and Sangamon rivers ? On what lake is Chicago 

- 122 - 



Indians attacking Missouri Traders. 

MISSOURI* 


1. Missouri is the third state for extent in the Union. 
The face of the country is diversified with hills, plains, and 
prairies, of which the latter predominate. 

2. Indian corn, wheat, oats, hemp, and tobacco, are largely 
cultivated, with some cotton in the southern part of the state. 
This is an admirable grazing country, and vast herds of 
horses, cattle, and hogs, are raised in it. 

3. Missouri is rich in minerals: the lead-mines have been 
worked for more than 100 years, and produced in the year 
1840 more than five million pounds. 

4. The Pilot Knob and the Iron Mountain are immense masses of 

Missouri. Q. —1. What is Missouri ? What is said of the country ? 
3. What are cultivated ? Raised ? 3. What of the mine 'als ? 4. De- 

* Missouri Mis s u'-re. 

W 

















DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


170 

nearly pure iron, and surpass every thing of the kind found elsewhere 
Copper, zinc, and coal, also abound, and salt is made to some extent. 

5. There is a considerable trade carried on across the Prairies be¬ 
tween this state and Santa Fe, in New Mexico. The traders form 
caravans of numerous individuals, with many horses and wagons. 
They carry various articles of merchandise, and being sometimes 
attacked by Indians, defend themselves with their rifles. 

& Jefferson city, the capital, is on the south side of the Missouri, 
150 miles from its mouth; here are the State House and Penitentiary 

7. St. Louis is on the west bank of the Mississippi, 1300 miles from 
he sea, and is the largest town in Missouri. It is favourably situated 
for trade, and has an extensive commerce. Numerous steamboats arc 
constantly departing for, and arriving from, nearly all parts of the 
Mississippi valley. Among the public buildings are the Cathedral, a 
number of churches, the Hospital, Orphan Asylum, Convent of the 
Sacred Heart, City Hall, Theatre, &c. Jefferson Barracks, 5 miles 
below St. Louis, is the head-quarters of the western division of the 
United States army. 

8. St. Charles, Franklin, Booneville,* and Lexington, are all on the 
Missouri river. From Independence, a small town in the western 
part of the State, the Santa Fe traders usually depart for their journey 
across the prairies. Herculaneum, New Madrid, St. Genevieve, and 
Capo Girr rdeau, are on the Mississippi. At Herculaneum, large quan 
titif s of s hot are made. 


I lap 1 o. 14.—What territory on the north ? I.-Ty.—On the west? 
I.- Ty .— (Vhat states on the east ? Is., Ky.—South ? As.—What river 
o.'i the e ist? Mi.—On the west, and in the centre? Mi.—What rivers 
f ow inf) the Missouri ? L.-Pe., Gd., Cn., Oe., Ge.— Into the Missis¬ 
sippi? St., Mi., Me.—What rivers flow into Arkansas? W.-Wr., 
B.-Bk., Ct., We.—What mountains in the south-west? Ok. — How 
high are they? What mines in Washington county? Ld.—What 
mount iins ? In., P.-Kb. — How many inhabitants has St. Louis ? St. 
Charle s ? Palmyra ? In what counties are these towns ? In which 
is Jef .erson city ? Ce. — Booneville ? Cr. — Lexington ? Le. — 
Liber* y ? Cy. — On what rivers are the other principal towns ? 

-123- 

ARKANSAS. 

1, Arkansas was admitted into the Union in 1836. The 
east/ ;rn part of the country along the Mississippi is low and 
mat shy; but the interior is elevated, healthful, and pleasant. 

scriJ ie Pilot Knob and the Iron Mountain. 5. What trade, &c. ? 
Wh it do the traders form ? 6. Describe Jefferson City. 7. St. Louis. 

8. 51. Charles, and the other towns. 

A rkansas. Q. — 1. What is said of Arkansas? Of the countrv? 


* Booneville, Boon'-vil. 







WISCONSIN TERRITORY. 


171 

2. The land bordering on the rivers is generally fertile, and 
produces good crops of cotton and corn. Wheat and other 
grains grow well in the upper country, while peaches, plums, 
and other fruits, are raised in abundance. 

3. This state has considerable advantages for commerce. Nearly 
every part of it is intersected by streams that flow into the Mississippi 
river. Steam-boats ascend the Arkansas during high water nearly 
GOO miles above its mouth; and the Red, White, St. Francis, and 
Washita rivers, are all more or less navigable. 

4. The Hot Springs, about fifty miles west of Little Rock, are among 
the chief curiosities of the country ; the water of some of them is suf¬ 
ficiently hot to boil an egg in fifteen minutes. They are very numer¬ 
ous, and mucli resorted to by invalids, who generally find the use of 
the water beneficial to their health. 

5. Little Rock, the capital of the state, situated on the Arkansas 
river, about 300 miles above its mouth, is the most important town. 
The chief of the others are, Arkansas, Batesville, Helena, Fulton, and 
Fayetteville. These are all of limited population. 

Map No. 12.—What bounds Arkansas north ? Mi. — South? La.— 
East ? Tc. M4., —West ? I. T., Ts. —What river separates it from Ten¬ 
nessee and Mississippi ? Mi. —What rivers flow into the Mississippi ? 
As., We., S.-Fs.—What two flow into Louisiana? Rd., Wa.—Tell the 
lengths of the foregoing rivers. How far are the Arkansas, White 
Washita, and Red rivers navigable for steamboats from the sea ? Where 
does the navigation end. F.-Gn., Be., Cn., Jo. — In what county is 
Little Rock ? Pi.—Fort Smith ? Cd.—Fulton ? Hd.—Fayetteville ? 
Wn.—Batesville? Ie.—°n what rivers are the chief towns ? 

-124- 

WISCONSIN. 

1. Wisconsin formed, until the year 1836, the westerh 
division of Michigan. In 1846, Congress passed an Act pro¬ 
viding for its admission into the Union as a State. 

2. It comprises about two-thirds of the area of the late ter¬ 
ritory of Wisconsin, and is about equal in extent to the State 
of Georgia. The remainder of the territory, lying north¬ 
westward of the State, is not yet organized. 

3. The population of Wisconsin is confined chiefly to the 
southwest portion of the State, but its great mineral resources 

2. Productions ? 3. Commerce ? Steam-boats ? 4. Hot Springs ? 

5. Describe Little Rock, and other towns. 

Wisconsin. Q. — 1. What did Wisconsin form? What occurred in 
1846 ? 2. What does it comprise ? What State does it equal ? 3. Whal 
is said of the population ? Mineral resources, &c. ? 






DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


172 

and fertile soil are attracting numerous emigrants from various 
parts of the Union. 

4. This country is rich in mineral products. Lead is found 
in great quantities, and copper and iron also abound, i he 
principal trade of Wisconsin consists in the exporting of lead 
and other products, to the various markets on the Mississippi 
and Ohio rivers. 

5. Madison, the capital of Wisconsin, is on a branch of Rock river, 
and about half way between the Mississippi river and Lake Michigan. 
Though but lately laid out, a number of buildings have been erected. 
Milwaukie, Racine, Navarino, Mineral Point, Prairie du Chien,* and 
Cassville, are the other principal towns. 



Chippeway Bark Lodge. Birch Bark Canoe. 


6. The chief Indian tribes in Wisconsin, are the Chippeways and 
the Mennomonies. The former subsist mostly on the wild rice with 
which the numdVous lakes abound. They make lodges and canoes of 
birch bark, but have not much mechanical ingenuity. The Menno¬ 
monies are superior in skill to the Chippeways; they prepare belts, 
moccasins, sheaths, &c., very neatly, and ornament them with beads 
and porcupine quills. 


Map No. 5. — What bounds Wisconsin on the north? B.-Aa. — 
South? Is. — East? Mn. — West? I.-Ty. — What river forms nearly 
the whole of the western boundary? Mi. — What rivers flow into 
Lake Superior? S.-Ls., Ml. — Into Green Bay? Me.— Into the 
Mississippi river? Wn., Rm. — What lakes in Wisconsin? Rd., 
St., Pn., Wo. —What lakes on the east ? Sr., Mn. — What lakes form 
part of the north and eastern boundary? Ws,, Ry., Sr., Mn. — How 
far from the sea can steam-boats ascend the Mississippi river ? 

Map No. 14. — In what county is the capital ? De. — Milwaukie ? 
Me. — Cassville ? Gt. — Prairie du Chien ? Cd. — How far from the 
sea do steam-boats ascend the Wisconsin ? Rock river ? 

4. What is said of the mineral products ? Of the trade ? 5. Describe 
Madison city, Milwaukie, and the other towns. 6. Which are the 
chief L. Jan tribes ? Describe the Chippeways. The Mennomonies. 


* Prairie du Chien, Pray'-re du-Shcen'. 


















IOWA TERRITORY 


173 


-125- 

IOWA. 

1. Iowa was formed into a territory in the year 1838. In 
1846 it was admitted into the Union as a State. It includes 
the southern portion of the late Territory of Iowa, and com¬ 
prises a third part of its area. In extent it is about equal to 
Illinois. The remainder of the Territory is twice the size of 
Virginia, but is yet unorganized. 

2. The State, so far as it has been explored, is beautiful in 
appearance, and of uncommon fertility of soil. Most luxu¬ 
riant crops of corn, wheat, and oats, are produced. 

3. Lead is the principal mineral. It is found in great abundance; 
*nd the richest lead mines in the United States are those worked in 
the vicinity of Dubuque.* Coal, iron, and limestone, also abound. 

4. The towns are yet small. Iowa City, the capital, is on Iowa river. 
/0 miles from its mouth ; it was commenced in 1839, and is now of 
mspectable size. Burlington, the late capital, was laid out in 1833, ok 
the west bank of the Mississippi river. It has considerable trade. 

5. Dubuque is in the centre of the mining district of Iowa; it is 
a busy commercial town. Fort Madison, Bloomington, Davenport* 
Montrose, and Salem, are among the principal of the other towns. 



Sioux Chief and his Son. Indian Skin Lodge. 


6. The Sioux Indians inhabit the central and northern part of the 
.ate territory. The Winnebagoes, Iowas, and Sacs and Foxes, are the 

Iowa Territory. Q.—1. What ’8 said of Iowa? What does it include ? 
comprise ? To what State is it equal, &c. ? 2. What is said of the country ? 
3. What is the principal mineral ? 4. What is said of the towns ? 5. What 
is said of Dubuque, &c.? 6. What Indian tribes reside in Iowa ? Describe 


* Dubuque, Du-book'. 







174 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY 


tribes now resident in the Slate. The Sioux are the most numerous 
and powerful. They live on the prairies, make lodges of buffalo skins, 
and employ dogs to carry burdens. The flesh of these animals is 
with them a prime delicacy; and a feast of dogs’ meat is the greatest 
mark of respect they can pay a stranger. 

Map No. 5. What bounds the State of Iowa on the north ? Ia. 7 er. 
—South ? Mi.—East ? Wn, Is. — West ? M.-Ty., I.-Ty., Ia.-Ty. — 
What river on the east? Mi.—West? Mi. — What rivers flow 
north ? Rd., Me.—Into the Missouri ? Js., Sx.—Into the Mississippi ? 
S.-Ps., Ia., Ds. — How long are the Missouri, Mississippi, Red, St. 
Peter’s, Iowa, and Des Moines rivers ? From what lake does the Mis¬ 
sissippi river flow? Ia.—What Indian tribes in Iowa? As., Sx., 
Ws., Ps., Ss., and Fs. 

Map No. 14.—On what river is Iowa city? The other chief towns? To 
what distance from the sea do steam-boats ascend the Des Moines river ? 


126 



Emigrant Indians landing at Fort Gibson. 


INDIAN TERRITORY. 

1. Tiie Indian Territory is the region assigned by Con 
gross for the residence of those Indian tribes who have from 
time to time emigrated from the eastern parts of the Union. 

2. Here the Indians are to be secured in governments of 
their own choice, subject only to such control of the United 
States as may be necessary to preserve peace between the 


the Sioux, (pronounced Soo.) What is considered by them a prime 
delicacy ? 

Indian Territory. Q. —1. What is the Indian Territory? 2. What 





























MISSOURI TERRITORY. 


175 


several tribes. The population numbers near 80,000, of 
whom two-thirds are emigrants; the remainder belong to 
tribes long resident here. 

3. The Choctaws, Creeks, Cherokees, and Shawnees, are 
the most improved of the emigrant tribes. They have gen¬ 
erally good houses, well-tilled fields, and own horses and 
cattle to some extent. They have also native mechanics and 
merchants among them. 

4. The Aboriginal Indians consist,- for the most part, of Pawnees, 
Osages, Kanzas, Omahas, &c. They still retain their original savage 
habits unchanged, and live mostly by hunting. 

5. The emigrant tribes are progressing in civilization, and the enjoy- 
ment of the comforts of settled life. Their condition has been greatly 
improved by their removal hither; and it is to be hoped that they will 
never be disturbed in their present possessions. They receive annui¬ 
ties from the United States for the country which they left, and which 
they ceded to the government. 


Map No. 5. — How is the Indian Territory bounded on the north ? 
M.-Ty.—South? Ts., N.-Mo.—East? I.-Ty., Mi., As.—West? Mo.— 
What are the principal rivers that flow through it ? Pe., Ks., As., Cn., 
Rd.—How long are these rivers ? What United States’ forts are in this 
territory ? Lh., Gn., Tn.—On what river is the Council Bluffs ? Mi.— 
What desert in the western part of the territory? G.-An. — What 
mountains form part of its western boundary ? Ry. — Where is Long’s 
Peak? Pike’s Peak ? How high are they ? Name the Indian tribes 
wholly resident in the Indian Territory. Os., Os., Ks., Ds., Ss., Ks., 
Os., Cs., Cs., Cs. — Name those that are partly so. Of the latter there 
are three tribes. Fs., Ks., P.-Ps. 


-127- 

MISSOURI TERRITORY. 

1. Missouri Territory is a vast wilderness, thinly in 
habited only by different tribes of Indians. It consists of 
extensive prairies, over which roam countless droves of buf¬ 
falo, elk, deer, and wild horses. 


is said of the Indians ? The number of the population, &c. ? 3. Name 

the tribes most advanced towards civilization. Describe their con 
dition. 4. What do the Aboriginal Indians consist of? What do 
they still retain? 5. What is said of the emigrant tribes? Their 
condition, &c. ? What do they receive ? 

Missouri Territory. Q. — 1. What is Missouri Territory ? Of what 






176 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 



White traders bartering with the Indians. 



2. On the western frontier the Rocky Mountains rise up to 
a great height, and have their tops covered with perpetual 

snow. Among these 
the grizzly bear is 
found: he is the 
largest and fiercest 
animal of his kind, 
and is peculiar to 
North America. 

3. This region is 
visited by the white 
traders, who barter 
with the Indians for 
GrizzlyBear - _ theskinsof buffaloes 

bears, beavers, &c., taken by them in hunting. There are 
also many white trappers and hunters, who live like the In¬ 
dians, and are absent from the settlements frequently for 
years at a time. 

4. The principal native tribes are the Pawnees, Sioux, Riccarces, 


does it consist? 2. What is said of the Rocky Mountains ? Grizzly 
bear ? 3. Of the white traders ? White trappers and hunters < 

4. Native tribes ? What of their habits, &c. ? 











OREGON TERRITORY. 


177 

Crow, and Black Feet Indians. Most of them are roving in their 
habits, and being in possession of an ample store of horses, roam from 
place to place, in quest of buffalo and other game. 

Map No. 5. —What bounds this territory on the north ? B.-Aa. — 

South? I.-Ty. — East? I.-Ty.—West? O.-Ty.—What Mts. sepa¬ 
rate it from Oregon? Ry.—What river from Iowa? Mi. — From 
the Indian territory? Pe. — How long is the Missouri? Platte? 
Yellow Stone? Big Horn? Tongue? and Running-Water rivers? 
What hills west of the Missouri? Bk.—Where is Fremont’s Peak? 
Its height? .What tribes inhabit this territory? B.-Ft., Cw., Ms., 
Rs., Ss., Ss., Ps., As., Ps. 

-128- 



Missionary preaching to the Indians. 


OREGON TERRITORY. 

1. Oregon Territory is the most western part or* the 
United States; it extends from the Rocky Mountains to the 
Pacific Ocean, and northward from latitude 42° to 49° N. 

2. The Columbia is the chief river of this region. The 
Rocky Mountains form the eastern boundary. Farther west 
are the Blue Mountains. Nearer to, and almost parallel to 
the coast is the Cascade Range; it equals the Rocky Moun¬ 
tains in elevation, and two of its summits are volcanoes. 


Oregon Territory. Q. — 1. What is said cf Oregon? Extent? 
Vrea? 2. The Columbia river? Frazer’s? Rockv Mts.? Blue 

X 













178 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


3. The country lying westward of the Cascade Range is the finest 
part of Oregon; its wheat and other productions are very superior. 
The pasturage is excellent; and cattle are raised with little trouble. 
Pine-trees of great size grow on the banks of the Columbia river; 
some have been seen 250 feet high. The climate is milder than in 
the same latitudes on the eastern side of the continent. 

4. For many years, Oregon was claimed both by the United States 
and Great Britain. The American claim extended to latitude 54° 40' N.; 
but in a treaty concluded July 17th, 1846, the parallel of 49° was 
adopted as the northern boundary. The navigation of the Columbia 
was at the same time declared free to citizens of the United States, to 
the Hudson’s Bay Company, and to all British subjects trading with 
the same. 

5. The Hudson’s Bay Company have long since established trading 
forts or houses in various parts of the territory. Of these, Forts Van¬ 
couver, Wallawalla, and Colville, are the chief. At Fort Vancouver there 
is a considerable village, from which a direct trade is carried on both 
with Great Britain and the Sandwich Islands. To the former furs 
are exported, and to the latter wheat, lumber, fish, &c. 

6. The inhabitants comprise about 20,000 Indians, 6000 Americans, 
and the traders, &c. attached to the Hudson’s Bay Company’s Forts. 
Total about 28,000. There are also several American missionaries 
employed in converting the Indians. The principal tribes are the 
Flatheads, Nezperces, Wallawallas, and Shoshones. 

7. The American settlers, until Congress extend its authority over 
the Territory, have organized a government of their own. The capital 
of the new settlement is Oregon city; it stands in a fine fertile valley 
at the falls of Willamette river, and contains 500 inhabitants. Astoria, 
near the mouth of the Columbia rivei, was at first an American trading 
post, but it is no longer used for that purpose. 

Map No. 15.—What bounds Oregon on the north ? B.-Aa.—South ? 
U.-Ca. — East? B.-A., M.-Ty. — West? P.-On. — What forms the 
eastern boundary ? R.-Ms. — Its highest summits ? Bn., Hr., Fs.— 
Heights ? What Mts. west of Lewis river ? Be. — Near the coast ? 
C.-Re. — Its chief summits ? , Volcanoes ? Rs., S.-Hs. — Point out 
the South Pass. This is a gap in the Rocky Mts., 15 or 20 miles wide, 
through which emigrants travel to Oregon. The chief rivers ? Ca,, 
Fs. — Chief branches of the Columbia? Ls., Cs. — Lengths of the 
rivers? Principal forts? Vr., W.-Wh., Ce. — Capes? Bays, Gulfs 
&c. ? Lakes ? Indian tribes ? 


Mts. ? Cascade range ? Islands ? 3. What is said of the country ? 

Products ? Pasturage, &c. ? Pine-trees ? Climate ? 4. What is saic 
of Oregon ? Of the American claim? Treaty of 1846? Navigation 
of the Columbia? 5. Of the Hudson’s Bay Company? Principa 
forts? Fort Vancouver? Trade? What is exported? 6. What d? 
the inhabitants comprise ? Total amount ? What is said of mission 
aries ? Name the chief Indian tribes. 7. What have the American 
settlers dona ? What is said of Oregon city ? Astoria ? 




UPPER OR NEW CALIFORNIA. 179 

Map No. 16. — Where is Oregon city? On what river? We.— 
Into what stream does the latter flow? Where is Astoria? F*rt 
Vancouver ? Cascades ? The Columbia river is navigable to this plat % 
120 miles. Which is the northern cape of Columbia R. ? Southern ? 

-129- 

UPPER OR NEW CALIFORNIA. 

1 . Upper California is situated between the Pacific Ocean 
and. the Rocky and Anahuac Mountains, and southward of 
Oregon. It formed the northwesternmost district of Mexico 
but was taken possession of by the United States’ naval force* 
in the Pacific Ocean, July 7th, 1846. 

2. Two ridges of mountains, the Coast Range and the 
Sierra Nevada, or Snowy Range, extend in a direction almost 
north and south, and parallel nearly to the coast; the Sierra 
Nevada is the most distant from the sea, and is said to be 
2000 feet higher than the Rocky Mountains. Farther in the 
interior are the Bear river, and Wahsatch; and still farther 
eastward are the Rocky and Anahuac Mountains. 

3. The central part of this region is called the “Great Interior 
Basin of Californiait is but little known; a portion of it is a sandy 
desert destitute of water, other parts are said to abound in rivers and 
lakes, none of which, however, have any connection with the sea. 

4. The Great Salt lake, situated near the northern boundary, is 
salter than the Ocean, while Utah lake which flows into it is fresh. 
The Tule, Mountain, and Pyramid, are the other chief lakes. The 
principal rivers are the Colorado, Sacramento, and San Joaquin. 

5. San Francisco bay is the chief port of California, and is suf¬ 
ficiently spacious to contain all the navies in the world. The country 
in its vicinity, as well as the region lying between the Sierra Nevada 
and the sea, is one of the finest wheat districts in America. 

6. The inhabitants of the settled parts of the country comprise 
about 15,000 Indians, and 5000 whites ; many of the latter are from 
the United States ; about one-half of the Indians were formerly in the 
employ of the Missions, which are now abolished. The Utah, Pah- 
Utah, and other Indians in the interior, live chiefly by plunder. The 


Upper California. Q.—1. What is said of Upper California? What 
did it, form ? What occurred in 1846 ? 2. Mountains ? 3. What is the 
central part of this region called? Describe it. 4. What is said of 
the Great Salt lake, &c. ? The other lakes ? Principal rivers ? 5. San 
Francisco bay? The country in its vicinity? 6. What do the in¬ 
habitants comprise, &c. ? What is said of the Indians ? The Utah, 





180 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


wealth ©f California consists of its cattle, horses, wheat, &c. Hides, 
horns, and tallow, are the chief exports. 

7. Monterey, the capital, San Francisco, San Diego, and Pueblo de 
los Angelos, are the chief towns; they are yet of small size, and their 
population is unknown. Nueva Helvetia is a new American settle- 
ment, established on one of the branches of the Rio Sacramento. 


Map No. 15.—What bounds Upper California on the north? On.— 
South ? O.-Ca., Sa. — East ? U.-Ss. — West ? P.-On. — What Mts 
near the coast ? C.-Rc. — East of the Sacramento river ? S.-Na. — 
East of the Great Salt lake ? B.-Rr. — South ? Wh. — What Mts. form 
the eastern boundary ? Ry., Ac.—What islands on the coast ? S.-Ba.— 
What bays ? S.-Fo., My., Td. — Which is the westernmost cape ? 

Mo. — The largest river ? Co. — Its chief branches ? Ga., Gn., Gd., 
Sr. — What rivers join near to San Francisco bay ? So., S.-In. — 
Which flows north ? S.-Jn.—South ? So. — What lakes west of the 
Sierra Nevada ? Te., Mn.— East? Pd., Md. — Which is the largest 
lake ? G.-S.-L. — What river flows into it ? Br. — What lake ? Uh.— 
Which are the chief Indian Tribes ? 


-130- 

MEXICO. 

1. Mexico comprises a number of divisions called states or 
departments. For some years previous to 1835, it was a 
Federal government, somewhat similar to that of the United 
States; but it is now a central or consolidated republic. 

2. In the interior the surface of the country is mostly ele¬ 
vated, forming a table-land of from 6000 to 8000 feet high. 
From this lofty plain a few volcanic peaks shoot up to a still 
greater height. Of these the chief are Popocatapetl and 
Orizava. 

3. Mexico is famous for the variety of its vegetable pro¬ 
ducts ; comprising, according to the elevation at which they 
are planted, the principal grains and fruits oi torrid and tern 
perate climates. 


&c., Indians ? Wealth of California ? 7. Of Monterey ? San Fran¬ 

cisco, &c. ? Nueva Helvetia ? 

Mexico. Q. — 1. What is Mexico? What of its government? 2 
What is said of the surface ? Of the volcanic peaks ? 3. For what is 






MEXICO. 


181 



Pyramid of Cholula. Indians. Creoles. Maguey Plant. 


4. Indian corn is the staple product; of which, two and 
sometimes three crops are gathered annually. Wheat, rice, 
and barley, are also cultivated; and sugar, coffee, vanilla, 
cochineal, &c., are raised chiefly for internal consumption. 

5. The American Aloe, or Maguey plant, is extensively cultivated 
for the sake of its juice, of which the liquor called pulque, the favourite 
drink of the lower order of Mexicans, is made. 

6. The manufactures are in a rude state, and are gradually 
declining in amount; they are confined chiefly to coarse 
pottery, with glass-ware, and cotton and woollen goods. Sil 
ver plate and jewellery are, however, skilfully made. 

7. The commerce of Mexico has never corresponded with 
the extent and resources of the country. The mines of gold 
and silver have always been the chief object of attention. 

8. Many are in a ruinous state, and those that are worked do not 
yield near their former amount. From 20 to 25 million dollars were 
once obtained from the mines of Mexico annually, but the quan. 
tity is now reduced in value to 10 or 12 millions. 

9. There are three classes of inhabitants in Mexico: the Whiten 
or Creoles, the Indians, and the mixed races. The latter comprise 


Mexico famous ? 4. What is said of Indian corn ? Wheat, &c. ? 5. 
The American aloe ? 6. The manufactures ? 7. Commerce ? Mines ? 
8. In what state are they ? 9. Of the inhabitants ? What is said 






DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


182 

Mestizoes , or the descendants of whites and Indians; Mulattoes , of 
whites and negroes; and Zamboes , of Indians and negroes. These 
races were once distinct from each other—but the Revolution has made 
all classes equal, and men of all complexions are alike free. 

10. The Catholic religion is established by law, and is the only sys¬ 
tem tolerated. The clergy, including all belonging to the church, 
amount to about 14,000 persons. The amusements of the people are 
chiefly those of Old Spain: bull-fights, and religious processions. 

11. At the time of the discovery of America, Mexico formed the 
most powerful of the native empires. Being conquered by Spa hi, it 
remained for 300 years her most important colony. In the year 1821, 
the Mexicans abolished the authority of Spain, and established a repub. 
lican form of government. In 1841, Yucatan was declared independ 
ent, but was afterwards reconciled to the Mexican government. In 
1845, independence was again declared; and in the same year Upper 
California also seceded from Mexico. 



City of Mexico. 


12. The city of Mexico is situated in a delightful valley, which is 
elevated 7000 feet above 4he sea, about half way between the Pacific 
Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. It is distinguished for the beauty of 
its architecture, the regularity of its streets, and the extent of the 
squares and public places. The market is well supplied with all 
the animal and vegetable productions of the country; many of the 
latter are raised on floating gardens in the neighbouring lakes. 

13. Guadalaxara is next to Mexico in population; the inhabitants 
are remarkable for their republican spirit. La Puebla is noted for its 
manufactures of glass and earthen-ware. Guanaxuato, Zacatecas, and » 
San Luis Potosi, are all connected with rich silver mines. Near the 
first are the great mines of Valenciana, which in 37 yoars yielded 165 
millions of dollars. Oaxaca, Durango, and Chihuahua, are all conside- 
rable towns. 


qf the mixed laces? 10. What is said of religion? 11. What did 
Mexico form ? How long did it remain a colony ? What took place in 
1821 ? In 1841 ?. In 1845? 12. Describe Mexico. How is it distin¬ 
guished ? What of the markets ? 13. Guadalaxara, and other towns ? 










BALIZE SETTLEMENT. 


183 


-131- 

14. The pyramid ofCholula is a work which approaches in magm- 
tude to the pyramids of Egypt. It is of brick, about one-third as high 
as the Great Pyramid, but is nearly double the length. The ruins of 
the ancient city of Calhuacan, near Palenque, attest the civilization of 
its former inhabitants. They have of late excited much attention, and 
have been frequently visited. 

15. The chief sea-ports of Mexico are, Matamoras, on the Rio Grande 
d~l Norte ; Vera Cruz and Tampico, on the Gulf of Mexico; Acapulco 
and San-Blas, on the west coast; Guaymas and Mazatlan, on the Gulf 
of California. Campeche and Sisal are the chief ports of Yucatan. 

16. The Balize, or British Honduras. — On the east 
side of the Peninsula of Yucatan is the Balize Settlement, or 
British Honduras : it formerly belonged to Spain, but has been 
in the possession of Great Britain since the year 1670. 

17. It extends along the Bay of Honduras about 150 miles; and is 
valuable for its logwood and mahogany, which form the chief products. 
The inhabitants are mostly Indians and Negroes, with a few whites. 
The town of Balize, the capital, is situated on the river of the same 
name. It contains about 500 houses. In the year 1836, there was 
exported from this place near 10 million feet of mahogany, besides 
logwood, cedar, &c. 


Map No. 4. —What bounds Mexico on the north ? U.-Ca. — S. and 
W. ? P.-On. —What Republic on the east ? U.-S. — Sea and gulf on 

the east? Cn., Mo. — Peninsula? Yn. — Gulf on the west? Ca.— 
Peninsula ? Ca. — Bay west of Yucatan ? Ce. — East? IIs. 

Map No. 6. — What rivers flow into the Gulf of Mexico ? R.-G.-Ne., 
Ta. — The Gulf of California ? Co., Yi. — The Pacific ocean ? Ge.— 
What lakes are in Mexico ? Cn., Ca. — What mountains ? M.-Cs. — 
What states border on the Gulf of Mexico ? Ts., V.-Cz., To., Yn. — 
On the Pacific ocean ? O.-Ca., Jo., Mn., Mo., La., Oa. — How many 
miles from California to Birmah ? Mexico to the Sandwich Islands ? 
To Cochin China ? What is the population of the city of Mexico ? 
What cities have a population of 30,000 and upwards ? Zs., S.-L.-Pi., 
Qo., Go., Ga., La., Oa. — What between 12,000 and 30,000 ? Ca., My., 
Do., Vd., Ja. 

What bay bounds the Balize settlement on the east ? Hs. — What 
state on the west ? Yn. — What is the population of the settlement ? 


14. What is said of Cholula, and its pyramid ? Ruins of Calhua 
can ? 15. Chief sea-ports ? 

Balize. Q. — 16. To what power does the Balize settlement belong 
17. What is its extent ? Chief products ? Inhabitants ? W hat toyfl 
is the capital ? What does it contain ? What was exported, &c. ? 






184 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


-132- 

GUATEMALA, OR CENTRAL AMERICA. 

1. Guatemala occupies the narrow tract between the 
northern and southern divisions of the Western Continent ; 
and has, in consequence of its position, assumed the title of 
the United States of Central America. 

2. It became independent in 1824, and adopted a form of 
government modelled after that of the United States; bit 
instead of acquiring the order and prosperity of that repub¬ 
lic, it is the seat of anarchy and civil war. 

3. The country is traversed on the western coast by lofty ranges of 
mountains, which contain many volcanoes, one of which, the Water 
Volcano, is noted for throwing out vast quantities of water ; while 
the eruptions of another, Cosiguina, were, in 1834, heard 1000 miles 
distant, and the ashes thrown by it were carried to Jamaica, 800 miles. 
The largest lake is that of Nicaragua, from which a ship canal to the 
Pacific Ocean has long been projected. 

4. The soil is fruitful, and ) ields, in perfection, all the most valuable 
tropical products. The indigo and cacao are of superior quality. 
Mines of silver are numerous, but few of them are now productive. 

5. One-half the population consists of Indians, one-fifth 
whites, and the remainder of the mixed races. The Catholic 
is the established religion, but all others are tolerated. 

6. Part of the east coast of this republic is called the Mosquito shore. 
It is covered with vast forests, and peopled by independent Indians; of 
whom, some of the tribes have long been in alliance with the English. 

7. San Salvador, the capital, is situated nearly half way between the 
northern and southern extremities of Guatimala. Its inhabitants are 
chiefly employed in the indigo trade. This city, besides, being the 
capital of the Republic, is also the capital of the Federal District, a 
territory which extends from 20 to 30 miles around it. 

8. Old Guatimala, formerly the capital, was destroyed by an erup¬ 
tion of water from the Water Volcano, but is now reviving. New 
Guatimala is the most populous place in the country, and is a hand¬ 
some city. Leon and Cartago are considerable towns. Omoa and 
Truxillo, on the bay of Honduras, are the chief sea-ports. 


Guatimala. Q. — 1. What does Guatimala occupy? What has it 
assumed ? 2. When did it become independent? What is said of the 
government ? 3. Country ? Water Volcano ? Cosiguina ? Largest 

lake ? 4. The soil ? Mines ? 5. What is said of the population ? The 
Catholic religion? 6. The east coast? 7. Describe San Salvador 
The Federal District 8. Old Guatimala. New Guatimala &c. 





WEST INDIES. 


1S5 

Map No. 4. —What bounds Guatimala on the north ? Mo., Be. —. 
East? C.-Sa.—West and south ? P.-On.—What bay on the north ? 
Hs.— On the east? Ga.—What lake in the south? Na. — How 
long is it ? What river connects it with the sea ? S.-Jn. —Which is 
the most populous city ? N.-Ga. — The four next in population ? Ln., 
Co., S.-Sr., O.-Ga. —What is the population of these places ? j 
Map No. 6. — Guatimala comprises five states. Point them out j 
G a., Hs., S.-Sr., Na., C.-Ra.—What is the capital of each? N.-Ga. 
Ca., S.-Sr., Ln., Co. — In what state is the Water Volcano situated 
Ga. —Volcano of Cosiguina ? Na. — Lake Nicaragua ? Na. 

-133- 



Slaves cultivating the Sugar-cane. 

WEST INDIES. 


1. The West Indies consist of a large collection of islands, 
situated between North and South America. They are all, 
with the exception of Hayti, subject to different European 
powers. 

2. These Islands comprise four great divisions: the Baha¬ 
ma Islands, the Great Antilles, the Little Antilles, and the 
Caribbee Islands. The latter are divided into two groups, 
4ie Windward and Leeward Islands. 

3. The climate is mild and pleasant in winter, which lasts 


West Indies. Q.—1. Of what do the West Indies consist ? 2. What 
1C 'hey comprise ? 3. What is said of the climate ? What sometimes 
Y 











DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


186 

from December to May; but the remainder of the year is hoi 
and unhealthy for strangers. Between August and October J 
tremendous hurricanes or storms sometimes occur, which 
often do great injury to towns, houses, and shipping. 

4. The West Indies abound in nearly all the productions 
of warm climates, and are rich in a variety of articles of 
great importance in commerce ; while the forests furnish 
mahogany and several other woods useful in the arts. 

5. The principal fruits are, oranges, lemons, pine-apples, papaws, 
bananas, plaintains, &c. The two last afford a supply of excellent 
food, with but little attention to their cultivation. A great variety vf 
birds is found in the West Indies, nearly all of which are, however, 
common to the neighbouring continents. 



Green Turtle. Guana Lizard. 


6. The green turtle and guana lizard are both highly prized, as 
affording delicious food. The former are sent in considerable numbers 
to Europe and the United States. They come on shore in the night, 
when the fishermen turn them on their backs, and collect them at 
leisure. The guana is from four to five feet long; it is very nimble, 
and is hunted with dogs. The flesh is tender, sweet, and delicate. 

7. Commerce is carried on from the West India Islands 
with great activity, and to a larger amount than in any other 
region of the same extent and population. 

8. The chief articles of export are, coffee, sugar, rum, 
cotton, cocoa, pimento,. mahogany, logwood, &c. The im¬ 
ports are, manufactured goods of all kinds from Europe, with 
flour, lumber, fish, and salted provisions from the United 
Slates and British America. 

9. The islands of the West Indies are under the control of Governors, 


occur? 4. In what do the West Indies abound? 5. What are the 
principal fruits ? What is said of birds ? 6. Of the green turtle, &c. ? 

7. What is said of commerce? 8. What are the chief articles of 
export ? Imports ? 9. What control are the islands under ? How are 




WEST INDIES. 


187 

appointed by the powers to which they respectively belong. The in¬ 
habitants of the British Islands are represented in the Houses of 
Assembly, which exercise some of the functions of the British Par 
liament. Hayti forms an independent republic. 

10. The inhabitants consist of whites, free blacks, and 
slaves, of whom not more than 500,000 are whites. Thee' 
remainder are of Negro origin; and, except in Hayti and the 
British Islands, the principal part are in a state of slavery. 

11 . Population. Population. 

Spanish Islands...1,485,000 I French Islands....-.. 245,000 

Hayti. 800,000 Danish, Dutch, &c... 00,000 

British Islands.. 758,000 | Total 3324060 

-134- 

SPANISH WEST INDIES. 

12. The western colonies of Spain, which formerly com¬ 
prised the greater part of the American Continent, are now 
limited to the two islands of Cuba and Porto Rico. 

13. Cuba, the largest of the West India Islands, is nearly equal »n 
extent to all the rest of the islands taken together. Population 
1,128,000. Porto Rico contains about one-tenth the area of Cuba. 
Population 357,000. They are both fertile islands, and carry on an 
extensive trade, chiefly with the United States. 

14. Havana, the capital of Cuba, is the largest and most flourishing 
city in the West Indies. Matanzas, Puerto Principe, and St. Jago 
de Cuba, are, after the capital, the most important towns. St. John’s 
is the chief town in Porto Rico. It has a safe and capacious harbour, 
and is strongly fortified. 

BRITISH WEST INDIES. 

15. Jamaica is the largest and most valuable of the British 
islands. The towns of Jamaica, and the other islands, are 
all sea-ports, and dependent on commerce. 

16. Kingston is the largest town in the British West Indies, and 
contains about 30,000 inhabitants. The chief of the other towns are, 
Bridgetown, in Barbadoes, with 20,000 inhabitants ; St. John’s, in 
Antigua, with 15,000; Port of Spain, in Trinidad, with 12,000; and 
Basseterre, in St. Christopher’s, with 7000. 


the white inhabitants of the British islands represented? 10. Of wha*. 
do the inhabitants consist? How many are whites? Ill What is the 
population of the different islands ? 

12. What are the colonies of Spain ? 13. What is said of Cuba ? Porto 
Rico? 14. Havana? Other towns? St. John’s? 15. Jamaica? 16. Kings 











188 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY, 


BRITISH ISLANDS. 


17. Inhabitants. Capital. 

Jamaica......375,000 Spanish Town. 

Barbadoes ... .103,000 Bridgetown. 

Trinidad. 45,000 Port of Spain. 

Antigua. 37,000 St. John’s. 

Grenada.20,000 St. George’s. 

St. Vincent... 27,000 Kingston. 

St. Kitt’s. 25,000 Basseterre. 

Dominica. 22,000 Roseau. 


Inhabitants. Capital, 

St. Lucia.18,000 Castries. 

Tobago.15,000 Scarborough. 

Nevis....12,000 Charleston. 

Montserrat....... 8,000 Plymouth. 

Tortola..... 8,000 Road Harbour 

Anguilla...- 3,000 Anguilla. 

Bahamas.22,000 Nassau. 

Bermudas. 9,000 St. George’s. 


18. The Bahamas comprise about 650 islands, of which only 14 are 
of considerable size. The soil is arid and rocky, and these islands are, 
in consequence, not fruitful in the usual products of the West Indies. 

19. The Bermudas lie to the eastward of the United States, and are 
a collection of rocks and small islands, of which only eight possess any 
importance. They enjoy an almost perpetual spring, and are clothed 
in constant verdure. 


20. FRENCH ISLANDS. 
Guadaloupe . ..110,400 Basseterre^ 

Martinico.118,000 St. Pierre. 

Mariegalante.. 11,500 Basseterre. 
Deseada, &c.* .. 5,100 
21 DANISH. 

Santa Cruz.32,000 Christianstadt. 

St. Thomas. 7,000 St. Thomas. 

St. John’s.3,000 


22. DUTCH. 

St Eustatia.14,000 The Bay. 

Curacoa.13,000 Williamstadt. 

St. Martin’s..... 3,000 

23. SWEDISH. 

St. Bartholomew 9,000 Gustavia. 

24 VENEZUELA. 

Margarita.15,000 Pampatar. 


135 


25. Hayti was formerly called Hispaniola, and also St. 
Domingo. It is one of the finest of the West India Islands, 
and once belonged jointly to France and Spain. The French 
portion was uncommonly flourishing, and the exports nearly 
equalled those of all the other Islands united. 

In 1791, an insurrection of the negroes broke out in the French part 
of the island. In 1793, the slaves were emancipated by a decree of 
the French National Assembly. In 1801, the independence of Hayti 
was declared; and in 1822, the Spanish part of the island came under 
the control of the Haytien government. 


'on, and the other towns? 17. Which is the most populous of the 
British Islands? Ja. — The next? Bs. — The least? Aa.—What 
do the Bahamas comprise? What is said of the soil? 19. Of the 
Bermudas ? What do they enjoy ? 20. Which is the most populous 

of the French islands? Ge.—21. Of the Danish? S.-Cr. — 22. 
Dutch? S.-Ea.—23. What islands belong to Sweden? S.-Bw.— 
24. To Venezuela ? Ma. 

25. What is said of Hayti ? The French portion ? 26. Of the 

♦The population of the French part of St. Martin’s, 3,600 in num¬ 
ber, is included in this estimate. 



























WEST INDIES. 


189 


27. The government of Hayti is professedly republican, but is, in 
feet, a military despotism. The President holds his office for life. The 
army amounts to 40,000 men; there is also a large militia force. 

28 The annual exports are in value about 4 million dollars, or one- 
sixth the amount of those sent from the French part of the island only, 
previous to the year 1791. 

29. The principal towns are Port au Prince, the capital, Jeremie, 
and Aux Cayes, [O-kay'.J In 1842, a dreadful earthquake destroyed 
Cape Haytien, and several other towns, besides many of the inhabitants. 

30. In 1843, an insurrection took place in Hayti, and President 
Boyer was expelled; -at the same time, the Spanish population, about 
100,000 in number, declared their independence, and now form the 
Republic of St. Domingo. The Haytiens have endeavoured to con¬ 
quer the new state, but hitherto without success. The city of St 
Domingo is the capital. 


Map No. 4. — Which is the largest of the West India Islands ? Ca 
— The second in size ? Hi. — Third ? Ja. — Fourth ? P.-Ro. — How 
long is Cuba ? Hayti ? Jamaica ? Porto Rico ? These are the Great 
Antilles. What sea between the Great Antilles and South America ? 
Cn. — What islands north of Cuba? Bs. —Which are the principal 
of the Bahamas ? N.-Pe., Ao., Ia., Ts., Lg., Gi. — Who discovered 

Guanahani ? In what year ? What is the name of the eastern range 
of the West India Is. ? Ce. — What six islands on the coast of South 
America ? Oa., Ca., B.-Ae., Oa., Ta., Ma. — These • are the Little 
Antilles. The Bermudas are about the same distance from Charles¬ 
ton, from Halifax, and from St. John’s, Porto Rico. How many miles 
is it by the scale ? How far are the Bermudas from Madeira ? What 
is the population of Havanna? Kingston? Port au Prince? St 
Domingo ? 


-136- 

SOUTH AMERICA. 

1. South America, the southern part of the New World, 
s smaller in extent than the northern division of the continent 
by almost one million of square miles: it is thinly settled, and 
for the most part uncultivated. 

2. Like North America, it is noted for the grandeur and 
extent of its mountains, rivers, and plains: it is also unrivalled 

slaves? 27. Government? President? Army? 28. Exports? 
29. The principal towns ? 30. What took place in 1843 ? What 

occurred at the same time, &c. ? 

South America. Q.—1. How much smaller is South America than North 






190 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY 



South American Scenery. 


for the number and richness of its mines of gold, silver, mer¬ 
cury, and precious stones. 

3. The climate of South America possesses every variety 
which vast extent and great diversity of surface can give. Its 
vegetable productions are numerous and valuable, and com¬ 
prise the chief articles raised in tropical and temperate regions. 

4. The principal mountains are the Andes, which range 
along the western shores of South America, from north to 
south. The highest peak, Mount Sorata, is almost five miles 
high. The mountains of Brazil extend along a great part of 
the eastern coast, and are in height from 3,000 to 6,000 feet. 

5. The Andes contain numerous volcanoes, many of which are 
constantly burning: the most noted is Cotopaxi, near Quito, one of 
the loftiest volcanoes in the world; the noise of its eruptions has been 
heard 600 miles, and the flames from its mouth have been known to 
ascend half a mile high. 

6. The principal rivers are the Amazon, Rio de la Plata, 
and Orinoco. The first, though not the longest, is the largest 
river in the world: and drains, with its tributaries, an extent 
of country nearly equal to the whole of Europe: its chief 
branches rival the largest rivers of the eastern continent. 

America ? 2. For what is it noted ? For what unrivalled ? 3. What is 
said of the climate ? Productions ? 4. Which are the principal moun¬ 
tains ? The highest peak ? 5. What is said of volcanoes ? 6. Of the 
























SOUTH AMERICA. 


South American Forest. 

7. The forests of many parts of South America exhibit a luxuriance 
and diversity of aspect different from those of most other parts of the 
world. They are enlivened by a great variety of birds of singular 
forms and superb plumage, which flutter through the branches; and 
troops of monkeys and squirrels, that leap from bough to bough; while 
the occasional appearance of the alligator. n'uh numerous serpents and 
lizards, pjesents.a singular and varied scene. 


Lama. 


8. Among the most remarkable animals of this continent, are tha 
jaguar, puma, and ocelot, the lama or South American camel, th 
lapir, peccary, sloth, ant-eater, armadillo, and chinchilla. The horse 
ox, ass, and hog, were all strangers to the New World, and weie 
brought from Europe by the first settlers : they have increased prodi¬ 
giously, and have in some instances regained their original wild state. 

9. The birds are numerous and of various kinds; the largest are 
the rhea or American ostrich, and the condor or vulture of the Andes, 
which is the largest bird of flight known. There are also toucans. 


principal rivers ? 7. Forests? 8. The most remarkable animals ? 3 The 





192 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY 



Red-billed Toucan. 


Oriole Nests. 



orioles, or hanging-birds, with the blacksmith or bell-birds, and hum¬ 
ming-birds of a hundred different species, from the size of a wren to 
that of a humble-bee. 

10. The inhabitants of South America amount to about 

15 millions, and consist of nearly the same classes as those 
of the northern division of the continent—Whites, Indians, 
Negroes, and the mixed races: the latter comprise Mulattoes, 
Mestizoes, and Zamboes. . • 

11. The whites are chiefly Spaniards and Portuguese, and 
their descendants: of these, many of the wealthy classes are 
well educated and intelligent; but the great majority of the 
people are ignorant, indolent, and often vicious in their habits. 

12. Considerable attention has been lately paid in some of the South 
American States to education. Schools and universities have been 
established in several places, and knowledge is beginning to dispel 
part of the ignorance which prevailed. 

13. Nearly the whole of South America was, for three hundred 
years, subject to Spain and Portugal: it is now, with the exception of 
Guiana, entirely independent of European control. The Spanish part 
is divided into a number of distinct republics, whose governments are 
similar to that of the United States; while Brazil, the part settled by 
the Portuguese, is a limited monarchy. 

14. The Catholic is the established religion in all the South American 
States; but persons of other persuasions are allowed to reside without 
molestation. In British and Dutch Guiana the Protestant faith prevails. 


birds? 10. What is said of the inhabitants? 11. Of the whites? 
12 . Education, &c. ? 13. How long was South America subject, &c. ? 
ff hat is said of the Spanish part 1 Portuguese ? 14. Which is the 

•, stabliehed religion 7 



SOUTH AMERICA. 


193 


137 


Map No. 17.—What ocean bounds South America on the east? 
Ac. — On the west ? Pc. —What sea on the north ? Cn. 

How is New Grenada bounded ? Its capital ? 


Venezuela—bounded? Capital? 
Ecuador—bounded ? Capital ? 
Guiana—bounded ? Capitals ? 
Peru—bounded ? 

Bolivia—bounded ? Capital ? 


Patagonia—bounded ? 


Brazil—bounded ? Capital ? 
Chili—bounded ? Capital ? 
Buenos Ayres—bounded ? Capital 
Paraguay—bounded ? Capital ? 
Uruguay—bounded ? Capital ? 


On what side of South America are the Andes? Wt. — What num¬ 
ber of miles do they extend ? Between what two states do they form 
the entire boundary ? Ci., B.-As. — Between what two do they form 
ihe boundary in part? Ba., Pu. — What is the next greatest range 
of mountains ? Bn. — What number of miles do they extend ? In 
what state are they almost wholly ? Bl. 

Which are the three largest rivers ? An., Pa., Oo. — How long is 
each ? How wide the mouths of the two largest ? Where is the 
Magdalena ? Into what sea does it empty ? Cn. — Which are the 
four principal branches of the Amazon on the north side ? Ta., Po., 
Ca., No. — Which are its chief branches on the south side ? Ue., Ja., 
Ps., Ma., Ts., Xu. — How long are each of the foregoing ? Which 
two rivers form the Amazon ? Ue., Ta. — Which two form the Rio 
de la Plata ? Pa., Uy. — Into whabtocean do the Orinoco, Amazon, 
St. Francisco, and the Rio de la Plata, flow ? A.-On. — What rivers 
are south of the Rio de la Plata ? Co., No., Cs., P.-De. 


Where is the Gulf of Darien ? N.-Gal — G. of Venezuela ? Va. — 
G of Guayaquil ? Er. — G. of Penas ? Pa. — Where is the Bay of 
Panama ? N.-Ga. — Talcahuana B. ? Ci. — B. of St. George ? St. 
Mathias B. ? Pa. — B. of All Saints ? Bl. 

Where is Puno Island ? Er. — Islands of St. Felix ? Is. of Juan 
Fernandez? Chiloe I.? Ci. — Wellington I.? Pa. — I. of Terra 
del Fuego ? Where are the Falkland Is. ? Pa. — I. of St. Catharina ? 
Itamaraca I. ? Joannes I. ? Bl. — Between what two rivers is the 
latter situated ? An., Pa. 

Where is the Strait of Magellan ? What regions does it separate ? 
Pa. and T.-Fo. — Where is the Strait of Le Maire ? What does it 
separate ? T.-Fo. and S.-Ld. 

Which is the largest city of S. America ? R.-Jo. —The next 7 Ba.— 
Which three cities number respectively 100,000, 70,000, and 55,000? 
B.-As., Qo., La. —The most northerly and most southerly capes ? Gs., 
Bn.* — Most easterly and most westerly ? S.-Re., Bo. 

* This cape is called by seamen the 44 Horn when vessels sail from 
jhe United States to the west coasf of America, they are said to go 
•aund the Horn. 

2 








DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


194 

What proportion of South America lies north of the Tropic of Ca- 
pricorn ? The largest or smallest ? Lt. — In what zone, then, is it 
mostly ? Td. — In what zone is the remainder ? S.-Te. — In what 
hemisphere is South America wholly ? Wn, — In what hemisphere 
is it partly ? Sn. — South America contains about 12° of north, and 
55° of south latitude. In what latitude is it then ? Sh. — It extends 
from 35° to 81° of longitude, west from Greenwich. In what longi¬ 
tude then is it reckoned ? Wt. 

How many miles is it from Guiana to Newfoundland ? Brazil to 
Greenland ? Guiana to Liberia ? New Grenada to Borneo ? Ecuador 
to the Gallapagos Is. ? Peru to Otaheite ? Chili to New South Wales ? 
Chili to New Zealand ? Brazil to the west coast of Africa ? Uruguay 
to the Cape of Good Hope ? Patagonia to Van Diemen’s Land 1 
Patagonia to Kerguelen’s Land ? 


-138- 

COLOMBIA. 

1. The late Republic of Colombia occupied an extensive 
region stretching from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean. It 
was the most powerful of the South American States that 
threw off the yoke of Spain, and was divided in the year 1831 
into the republics of New Grenada, Venezuela, and Ecuador. 

2. The western part of this territory is traversed by some 
of the loftiest ranges of the Andes. In the east it consists 
of extensive plains (called llanos by the inhabitants) which 
form a part of the vast level region that spreads from north 
to south over the whole interior of the continent. 

3. The climate changes according to the elevation; hence 
the vegetable productions are various. On the high table¬ 
lands, among the mountains, are raised the wheat, rye, barley, 
oats, and fruits of temperate climates, while the low country 
is prolific in the most valuable products of the Torrid Zone. 

4. Manufactures are but little attended to in Colombia, but commerce 
is carried on to some extent, chiefly with the United States and Great 
Britain. The exports are mostly of the tropical productions of the coun¬ 
try, and consist of sugar, coffee, cacao, indigo, hides, sarsaparilla, &c. 

5. The mines of New Grenada yield in gold and silver about two 

Colombia. Q. — 1. What did the Republic of Colombia occupy? 
What was it ? When and how was it divided ? 2. What is said of 

he western part ? In the east ? 3. How does the climate change ? 

What of the vegetable productions? 4. Manufactures? Exports? 
. Mines ? Pearl fishery ? 





COLOMBIA. 


195 

millions of dollars annually. There are also mines of copper, lead, 
and tin; and diamonds, emeralds, and other precious stones, are found. 
The pearl fishery, which once yielded half a million dollars a year, 
now amounts in value to only $180,000. 



.Rope bridge. Silleros carrying travellers. 

NEW GRENADA. 


6. New Grenada is the most powerful and populous of 
the Colombian States. Its coast is washed on the west side 
by the Pacific Ocean, and on the north by the Caribbean sea. 
Part of its territory extends into North America westward 
from the Isthmus of Darien. 

7. Roads hardly exist in the mouniainous districts of New Grenada 
and the other parts of Colombia. Travellers are often carried in a 
kind of chair, placed on the backs of persons called silleros, hired for 
the purpose. 

8. The bridges across the rapid torrents of the Andes are frequently 
formed of a single rope, and a hamm ;ck or basket made to run from 
one end to the other, in which the Colombian passes securely. 

9. Bogota, the capital of New Grenada, is situated a few miles east 
of the Magdalena river, on a fertile plain, 8000 feet above the sea. It 
contains a number of handsome churches and convents, and a uni- 
versity. The surrounding country yields two crops of grain annually. 

10. Carthagcna, on the coast of the Caribbean sea, is the principal 
port of this republic: its trade with the United States and Great Bri- 

New Grenada. Q.—6. What i« said of New Grenada ? 7. Of roads ? 
How are travellers carried / 8. What is said of oridges ? 9. Describe 

Bogota. The surrounding country. 10. Carthagena. Popayan, &c. 



















196 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


tain is extensive. Popayan and Pasto, in the southern part of New 
Grenada, and Panama, on the south side of the Isthmus of Darien, 
are all places of some importance. 


Map No. 17. —What bounds New Grenada on the north? C.-Sa.— 
South ? Er. — East ? Va. — West ? P.-On. — What Isthmus con¬ 
nects it with North America ? Dn. —Which are the principal rivers ? 
Ma., Ca., Ca., Us., No., Ge., Ma. — What is the length of each ? How 
far do sloops navigate the Magdalena ? Meta ? What is the popula¬ 
tion of Bogota ? Popayan ? Carthagena ? Mompox ? Honda ? 
What mountains extend along the west coast? As.—What mountains 
east of the Magdalena ? Ans. The north-east range of the Andes. 

-139- 

VENEZUELA. 

1. Venezuela comprises the most eastern part of Colom¬ 
bia. A range of mountains, the north-east branch of the 
Andes, extends along nearly the whole of the northern coast. 
The remainder of the republic consists of a vast plain, form¬ 
ing part of the great Llanos of Colombia. 

2. Like the Pampas of Buenos Ayres, and the Sertam of 
Brazil, it is covered with tall herbage, on which graze vast 
herds of horses, oxen, and mules. Of these, many of the 
inhabitants possess from 10,000 to 20,000 head. 

3. The people of the plains are called Llaneros. They are all ex¬ 
cellent horsemen; and particularly distinguished themselves, in the 
contest with Spain, for their patriotism and bravery. 

4. Caraccas, the capital, is situated about 12 miles from the coast. 
Previous to 1812 it was a large city with more than 40,000 inhabitants. 
In that year it was destroyed by one of the most dreadful earthquakes 
on record, and 10,000 persons perished on the spot. The city is re¬ 
viving, and now contains about me-half of its former population. 

5. La Guayra* is the chief port of this republic. Maracaybo, Coro, 
and Valencia, are all considerable towns. The island of Margarita, 
one of the lesser Antilles, belongs to Venezuela. 


Venezuela. Q. — 1. What does Venezuela comprise ? Of what does 
the remainder consist? 2. With what is it covered? What graze 
there? 3. What are the people of the plains called? How dil they 
distinguish themselves? 4. Describe Caraccas. When was it de¬ 
stroyed? How many persons perished? 5. Describe La Guayra. 
Maracaybo, &c, Margarita. 


* La Guayra , La-gwi-ra. 







COLOMBIA. 


197 


ECUADOR. 

6. The Republic of Ecuador lies on both sides of the 
equator. The civilized part of the population is confined to 
the western coast and the valleys of the Andes; while the 
eastern portion of the territory is occupied by independent 
tribes of Indians. 

7. The climate, especially of the region around Quito,* is 
that of perpetual spring. Vegetation never ceases, and the 
trees and meadows are crowned with constant verdure. The 
country is delightful, and is called the evergreen Quito. It is, 
however, subject to earthquakes and violent tempests. 

8. The Gallapagos, or Turtle Islands, are claimed by the Republic of 
Ecuador. They lie on both sides of the equator, about 650 miles west¬ 
ward from Soi'*h America. These islands, of which 9 are of some 
size, enjoy a delightful climate; they were recently occupied by a 
coksny from Guayaquil. 

“f. Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is situated on the side of Mt. 
Pichincha, 9,000 feet above the sea. It contains handsome streets 
and squares, and many churches and convents, built with magnifi¬ 
cence and taste. It has two universities, which are well attended. 

10. Guayaquil,! on a gulf of the same name, is the sea-port of this 
republic. It is one of the most flourishing commercial towns of South 
America. Cuenca, Riobamba^ and Otabala, are important towns. 


Map No. 17. — What bounds Venezuela on the north? C.-Sa.— 
South? Bl. — East? Ga. — West? N.-Ga.—Which is the chief 
•river ? Oo. — How long is it ? How far is it navigable for shipst£ 
For sloops ? What river connects the Orinoco and Rio Negro ? Ce.— 
What lake in the N.-W. part of Venezuela ? Mo. — How long is it ? 
From what lake does the Orinoco flow ? Ia. — What Indians in 
Venezuela? Gs., Cs., Os. — How many inhabitants has Caraccas ? 
Coro? Valencia? Cumana? What island belongs to Venezuela l Ma. 

What bounds Ecuador on the north ? N.-Ga. — South ? N.-Pu.— 
East ? Bl. — West ? P.-On. — What range of mountains is in the 
western part ? As.—What two large rivers in the south ? Ta., Ue.— 
These form the Amazon river. How far is it navigable for ships ? 


Ecuador. Q. — 6. How does the Republic of Ecuador lie ? What is 
said of the civilized part ? Of the population ? The western portion ? 
7. Of the climate ? 8. The Gallapagos islands ? 9. What is said of 

Quito? What does it contain ? 10. Describe Guayaquil. 


* Quito , Kee'-to. 


t Guayaquil , Gwai'-a-keel, 





198 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


For sloops ? How many inhabitants has Quito ? What three citiej 
number 20,000 each ? Ra., Gl., Ca.—What mountain south of Quito 1 
Co. — This was formerly considered the highest in South America. 

-140- 

GUIANA.* 

1. Guiana extends from the Orinoco to the Oyapock river, 
a distance of 700 miles. Along the coast the land is low and 
level; but in the interior, it is elevated and mountainous. The 
products are sugar, coffee, cayenne pepper, and cloves, with 
a great variety of tropical fruits. 

2. This region is divided between the British, Dutch, and 
French. British Guiana comprises the colonies of Essequibo,f 
Demarara, and Berbice. The Dutch possess Surinam, and 
the French, Cayenne.:]: The population of the first men¬ 
tioned is about 96,000 ; of the second, 65,000 ; and of the 
last, 29,000. Total, 190,000. 

3. Georgetown, on Demarara river, is the capital of British Guiana : 
it is a place of considerable trade. Paramaribo, on Surinam river, is 
the capital of Dutch Guiana: it is also the largest town in this region. 
Cayenne, the capital of French Guiana, is on an island of the same 
name, which is 18 miles long, and 10 wide. 

‘4. The mass of the inhabitants is composed of negroes. Those in 
the British colonies are free; but in Surinam and Cayenne, they are 
still slaves. The interior is inhabited by Maroons, or runaway negroes, 
and independent tribes of Indians. 

PERU. 

5. Peru is one of the most renowned countries in South 
America, and has always been proverbial for the great wealth 
furnished by its mines. It was long one of the most valuable 


Gviana. Q.— 1. Describe Guiana. The products. 2. How is it 
divided ? What is the amount of population ? 3. Describe George¬ 

town. Paramaribo. Cayenne. 4. What is said of the inhabitant* ? 
The interior ? 


Peru. Q. — 5. What is Peru ? For what is it proverbial ? What 
farther is said of it ? 


* Guiana , Ghe-a'-na. f Essequibo , Es-se-ke'-bo. t Cayenne, Ki an'. 








© 


PERU. 


199 



Mules and Lamas carrying produce. 

of the Spanish American colonies, and is the last territory 
in America from which the Spaniards were driven. 

6. The Andes range through the whole extent of Peru. On the 
coast the climate is hot, and much of the soil is sandy and arid. Rain 
seldom falls, and thunder and lightning are unknown. On the 
high table-land, between the ridges of the mountains, the climate is 
various, and the products of the soil are chiefly those of temperate 
regions. 

7. Along the sea-coast the agriculture is confined chiefly to the 
banks of the streams which descend from the Andes. Where the soil 
can be watered, the vegetation is most luxuriant, and surprises the 
traveller by the pleasing change from the sterility of the desert to the 
bright verdure that prevails. 

8. The chief products are Indian corn, sugar-cane, and cotton, with 
the fruits of almost every climate. Some valuable dye-woods and 
medicinal plants are also produced, particularly the Peruvian bark or 
Cascarilla. Wine and brandy are made to some extent, but wheat and 
flour are imported from Chili. 

9. The silver-mines of Cerro Pasco are the most important now 
worked in Peru. There are also some mines of gold and mercury. 
The commerce consists, for the most part, in the interchange of the' 
precious metals for foreign products and manufactures. 


6. What is said of the Andes ? The climate and products ? 7. Of 

the agriculture ? The soil ? 8 Chief products ? 9. The mines ? 











DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


200 

10. There is a want of good roads and bridges in Peru; and 
in the intercourse between the sea-ports and the interior of the coun¬ 
try, almost every article of trade is carried on the backs of mules and 
,amas. In the vicinity of Pisco, and close to the shore, are several 
small islands abounding in the fertilizing manure called guano. 


Map No. 17.—What bounds Guiana on the north? A.-On. — Th 
west ? Va. — The south and east ? Bl. — The principal rivers ? Eo. 
Sm., Mi., Ok. — How long are the three first ? How many inhabitans 
has Georgetown ? Paramaribo ? New Amsterdam ? Cayenne ? Wha 
Indians inhabit the south-east part of Guiana ? As. 

-141- 

11. At the time of the Spanish conquest, Peru was more 
extensive than the modern state of the same name. Its 
kings were called Incas ; they were held to be a sacred 
race, to be descended from the sun, and were adored by the 
qeople. 

12. The ancient Peruvians were partially civilized, and cultivated the 
land with much care. They built temples and palaces of stone; were 
skilful in the art of making vessels of gold and silver, and constructed 
excellent roads. These people were ignorant of writing, but preserved 
the memory of remarkable events by means of paintings and knotted 
cords of various colours. 

13. Forty years after the discovery of America, Pizarro, a 
brave but cruel Spaniard, invaded Peru, at the head of a 
small army. He put the reigning Inca to death, conquered 
the country, and established the dominion of his sovereign. 

14. Peru, with the other American provinces of Spain, was long 
governed by viceroys appointed by the kings of that country; but in 
the year 1821, the people established a government of their own, and, 
with the assistance of the Colombians, achieved their independence in 
1824, by the defeat of the last Spanish army at Ayacucho. 

15. In the year 1836, Peru was divided into the states of North Pern 
and South Peru, which, with Bolivia, were formed in the Peru-Bolivian 
Confederation, under a chief magistrate, styled the Supreme Protector 
Three years afterwards, the army of the Confederation was defeated 
by the Chilians at Yungay, and the Republic was dissolved. 


Commerce? 10. Of what is there a want? How are the articles of 
trade carried ? What exists near Pisco ? 

Q. —11. What did Peru comprise ? What is said of its kings ? 12. 
Of the ancient Peruvians ? 13. Of Pizarro ? 14. Of Peru and the other 
provinces ? When was independence declared ? What was achieved 
it Ayacucho ? 15. What took place in 1836 ? Three years afterwards 1 






PERU. 


201 



16. Lima, the capital of Peru, is on the 
small river Rimac, 7 miles from the sea, 
and is, next to Mexico* the finest city 
built by the Spaniards in the New World. 

It is regularly laid out, and contains 
many handsome public buildings. The 
churches and convents, though robbed 
of a great part of their wealth during 
the revolution, still present a handsome 
appearance. In walking abroad, the 
ladies of Lima use a peculiar dress, in 
which they may disguise themselves so / 
as to remain unknown to their most 
intimate friends. 

17. Cuzco, the second city in Peru, is 
situated far in the interior, on one of the 
head branches of the Amazon river; 

though much decayed, it is still a hand- Ladies of Lima, 

some place. At the time of the Spanish 

conquest, it was the metropolis of the ancient empire of Peru. Are 
quipa is the chief place of trade in the southern part of the Republic. 
Ilay, its sea-port, is a small village. Pisco is noted for its brandy. 

18. Callao, the sea-port of Lima, is strongly fortified. It was the last 
place held by the Spaniards in South America. At Cerro Pasco, among 
the Andes, are the richest mines now worked in Peru: the town is ele¬ 
vated 13,000 feet above the level of the sea. Truxillo is a handsome 
town ; Piura is famous for its fine breed of mules ; Caxamarca, Huaura, 
and Caxatambo, all in the interior, are places of some note. Payta, one 
of the most northern ports, is much frequented by American whale-ships. 

19. Guamanga contains a university richly endowed, and Guancave- 
lica is celebrated for its mines of mercury or quicksilver. Puno and 
Tacna are important towns. Arica is the port through which the 
chief part of the trade of Bolivia is carried on. The other sea-ports, 
called the Intermedios, have some commerce. At Ayacucho and 
Yungay, important battles were fought. 


Map No. 17. —What bounds Peru on the north ? Er. — South ? Ba. 
— East? Bl., Ba.—West? P.-On.—What mountains extend along 
the coast? As. —What desert in the south ? Aa. —What lake forms 
part of the eastern boundary ? Ta. —Which is the head branch of the 
Amazon ? Ue. — In what lake does it rise ? Rs. — How far does sloop 
navigation extend on it from the sea ? What is the population of Lima? 
Cuzco ? Arequipa ? Guamanga ? Puno ? Cerro Pasco ? Truxillo ? 
Tacna ? What are the ports from Ocono to Iquique called ? Is. — 
When was the battle of Ayacucho fought? Of Yungay? 


16. Describe Lima. What is said of the ladies ? 17. Describe Cuzco, &c. 
18. Callao,Cerro Pasco,Truxillo, &c. 19. What is said of Guamanga, 
and the other towns? What took Diace at Ayacucho and Yungay ? 

2 A 
















202 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


-,142- 

BOLIVIA. 

1. Bolivia, formerly called Upper Peru, is one of the most 
important of the South American states that threw off the 
yoke of Spain. It became independent in 1825, and was 
named after General Bolivar, the liberator of South America. 

2. The most lofty mountains of the New World are in 
Bolivia; it lies chiefly in the interior, and consists, for the 
most part, of a high fertile plain on the east side of the Andes, 
raised from 8,000 to 14,000 feet above the ocean. 

3. This elevated territory has cities above the region of the clouds, 
and cottages situated as high as the top of Mont Blanc. It yields 
Indian corn, wheat, rye, bariey, and potatoes; the latter also grow wild. 

4. Cotton, coffee, indigo, and other tropical products are raised in 
the less elevated districts. Gold, silver, copper, and other metals are 
found. The silver mines of Potosi have been for nearly 300 years the 
most renowned in the world. 



5. Lake Titicaca forms 
part of the western boundary 
of Bolivia. It has no visible 
outlet to the sea, above which 
it is elevated 12,795 feet. 
This lake is navigated chiefly 
by boats made of rushes 
plaited together; the mast 
and rudder only are of wood, 
which, owing to its scarcity 
here, forms the most valua¬ 
ble part of the vessel. 

6. The condor, the largest 
of the vulture kind, is found 
in Bolivia and other parts of 
the continent. Inhabiting 
the loftiest summits of the 
Andes, he descends to the 
lower country only in pur¬ 
suit of prey. He feeds chiefly 
on carrion ; but also attacks 

deer and other quadrupeds. The condor is about 3£ feet long from 
the beak to the end of the tail, and the wings measure in extent from 
9 to 13 feet. 


Bolivia. Q.—1. What was Bolivia formerly called ? What is it ? 
When did it establish its independence ? After whom was it named ? 
2. What are in Bolivia? Of what does it consist? 3. What of it* 
cities and cottages ? What does it yield ? 4. The other products 
What are found, &c. ? 5. Describe Lake Titicaca. 6. The condor , 





CHILI. 


203 


7. Chuquisaca,* or La Plata, the capital, contains a university, well 
attended, and a public library, said to be the best in South America. 
La Paz is the largest city in Bolivia, and, though situated in a deep 
valley, stands at the height of 12,400 feet above the ocean. It con¬ 
tains a cathedral, and several convents and churches. 

8. Potosi, the best known city in Bolivia, is elevated 13,000 feet 
above the sea. It is but indifferently built, and is not so flourishing as 
it once was. The mountain on which it is situated is one huge silver 
mine. It yielded in 258 years the vast sum of sixteen hundred mil- 
lijns of dollars; but it is now less productive than formerly. 

9. Cochabambat lies in a fertile and well-cultivated district, and the 
city carries on a considerable trade in grain, fruits, and vegetables. 
Cobija, or Puerto de la Mar, is the only sea-port Bolivia possesses. It 
is a small village, and being situated in a desert country, is of but 
little importance. 

Map No. 17.—What bounds Bolivia on the north? N.-Pu., Bl. 
South ? B.-As. — East ? Bl., Py. —West ? S.-Pu. — On what ocean 
is the south-west part situated ? Pc. —Which are the principal rivers? 
Me., Bo., Ge., Py., Po., Vo. — How long is each of these ? The largest 
lake ? Ta. — How long is it ? What two mountains east of Lake 
Titicaca ? Sa., Ii. —These are the highest in South America. How 
many inhabitants has the capital ? La Paz ? Cochabamba ? Potosi ? 
Oruro? What desert occupies the coast of Bolivia? Aa.—What 
tribes of Indians are in Bolivia ? Ms., Cs., As. 

-143- 

CHILI4 

1. Chili consists of a long, narrow tract of country, situ¬ 
ated between the Andes and the Pacific Ocean. The climate 
is remarkably fine and healthful, and many parts of the coun¬ 
try present such romantic scenes, that Chili has been called 
the Italy, and from its fertility, the garden of South America. 

2. Its chief misfortune is that earthquakes are common, 
and often lay the cities and towns in ruins. Volcanoes are 
also Viumerous: among the Andes, fourteen are said to be 
constantly burning. 

7. The capital ? La Paz ? 8. Potosi ? 9. Cochabamba ? Which is 

the .sea-port of Bolivia ? 

Chili. Q. —1. Of what does Chili consist ? What is said of the cli¬ 
mate ? What has Chili been called ? 2. What is said of earthquakes 

and volcanoes ? 3. Of the soil ? Products ? Agriculture, &c. ? 

* Chuquisaca , Chu-ke-sa'-ka. 
t Chili, Chee'-le. 


t Cochabamba , Co-ka-bam'-ba. 







DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


204 

3. The soil, except in some of the mining districts, is mostiy very 
fertile, and produces the finest wheat and other grains, besides fruits 
of various kinds, in abundance. Wine is made to some extent, and 
agriculture and the raising of cattle are actively pursued. 

4. The Chilese are a courteous and polite people, and appear to be 
more industrious and enterprising than most of the other inhabitants 
of South America. Mines of gold, silver, and copper, arc numerous 
The latter are the most abundant and profitable. 

5. Chili exports to 
Europe and the United 
States gold, silver, and 
copper, and to Peru 
grain and flour. A 
considerable trade is 
carried on with Bue¬ 
nos Ayres across the 
Andes by troops of 
mules, which convey 
merchandise, money, 
&c., to a considerable 
amount. In travers¬ 
ing these stupendous 
Route over the Andes. heights, the animals, 

and even their drivers, 

often slip from the narrow, steep roads, which wind among the moun¬ 
tains, and are dashed to pieces on the rocks beneath. 

6. The southern part of this territory is inhabited by the Aricaunian 
Indians, a brave and warlike race, who have defended their liberties 
against the encroachments of the Spaniards ever since their first 
entrance into the country. 

7. Chiloe and the islands in its vicinity belong to this state: also the 
Juan Fernandez islands. The most eastern of these is noted for 
having been the solitary residence for several years of Alexander Sel¬ 
kirk, a Scotch sailor, whose adventures gave rise to the well-known 
story of Robinson Crusoe. 

8. Santiago, the capital of Chili, is situated 90 miles from the coast, 
in a country that abounds in the most sublime and beautiful prospects. 
The houses are mostly of one story, and surrounded with gardens. 
The streets are regularly laid out, and many of the public buildings 
are handsome. 

9. Valparaiso is the chief sea-port; it has an excellent harbour, and 
carries on considerable commerce. Valdivia, Concepcion, and Coquim- 
bo, have all some trade. 


4. Of the Chilese ? Mines ? 5. Exports ? Trade with Buenos Ayres ? 
6. Of the southern part of the territory ? 7. Chiloe ? For what is 

Juan Fernandez noted ? 8. Describe Santiago. 9. Valparaiso, and 

the other towns ? 





BRAZIL. 


205 


Map No. 17.—What bounds Chili on the north? Ba. — South? 
Pa. —East? B.-As.—West? P.-On. — What mountains separate 
Chili from Buenos Ayres ? As. —What island lies south of Chili ? 
Ce. — How long is it ? What islands lie west of Valparaiso? J.-Fz. 
—What island was the residence of Alexander Selkirk ? M.-Ta. — 
What islands lie north of Juan Fernandez? S.-Fx.—What is the 
population of Santiago? Valparaiso? Concepcion? *Quillota? 
Santa Rosa ? S. Felipe ? Valdivia ? Copiapo ? 

-144- 

THE EMPIRE OF BRAZIL. 

1 . Brazil was once a Portuguese colony, but is now an 
independent empire, second only in extent to the empires of 
Russia and China. It comprises almost half the area of South 
America, is more than twenty-five times the size of the British 
Islands, and rather larger than the United States. 

2. It is the only part of the New World that was ever 
governed by an European sovereign in person. The King 
of Portugal reigned here from the year 1808 until 1821. 
when Brazil was declared an independent monarchy, the 
sovereign assuming the title of Emperor. 

3. Brazil is one of the finest regions in the world, and 
enjoys great natural advantages, in the fertility of its soil, the 
variety of its vegetable products, and the value of its minerals. 

4. The interior is very thinly settled, and much of it is yet covered 



Crossing a Brazilian River. 


Brazil. Q. —1. What is said of Brazil ? What does it comprise ? 
How does it compare with the British Islands and the United States ? 
2. How was it governed ? What king reigned here, &c. ? 3. What is 

Brazil ? What does it enjoy ? 4. What is said of the interior ? How 


* Quillota , Ke-lo-ta'. 















206 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


with dense forests. Roads are rare; and the numerous streams are 
destitute of bridges, and, in many cases, of ferry-boats. The rivers 
are generally crossed on rafts; while the horse is made to swim. 

5. The people are mostly ignorant and indolent. Nearly all tire 
labour is performed by Negro slaves, who constitute three-fifths of tire 
population. The Portuguese is the language spoken in Brazil. 

6. Agriculture is in a backward state. Manufactures 
scarcely exist; but commerce is actively carried on. Sugar, 
cotton, coflbe, hides, and other products, are exported chiefly 
to the United States, Great Britain, and Portugal. 

7. Brazil is rich in gold and precious stones, and is tlie 
country which, next to Mexico and Peru, has furnished the 
greatest amount of precious metals. The diamond mines are 
worked on account of the government, and supply nearly all 
the diamonds of commerce. 

8. Cattle multiply to an immense extent, especially in the region 
called the Sertam; and in the extensive plains in the south, near Rio 
Grande, some of the large farms have from 20,000 to 40,000 head. 

9. The western part of Brazil is called Amazonia; although not a 
political division, the name has been long in use, and originated from 
the reports of the early explorers of .a nation of Amazons, or female 
warriors, residing on the banks of the Amazon river. 

10. Rio Janeiro, on the bay of the same name, is the capital of Brazil, 
and the most populous city in South America. Its harbour is visited 



Palace of San Christovao. 


are the rivers crossed ? 5. What are the people ? 6. What is said of 

agriculture? Manufactures? Commerce? 7. In what is Brazil 
rich ? What is said of the precious metals ? Diamonds ? 8. Of 

cattle ? 9. The western part of Brazil ? How did the name, Amazon, 
originate? 10. Describe Rio Janeiro. 






BUENOS AYRES. 


207 


©y the vessels of almost every commercial nation. The city is built 
much in the European style, but the streets are rather narrow. The 
Emperor’s country palace, near the city, is called San Christovao, 
being of a light and rural style of architecture : it has a very pleasing 
effect. 

11. Bahia, Pernambuco, Maranham, Para, and Rio Grande, are all 
important sea-ports. Tejuco, in the interior, is the chief town, and 
centre of the diamond district. Villa Rica, Villa Boa, and Cuyaba, are 
ekch surrounded by mining districts. 


Map No. 17. — What bounds Brazil on the north ? Va., Ga., A.-On. 
— East? A.-On. — West? Va., Er., Pu., Ba., Py., Uy. — Which 
are the principal rivers that flow into the Atlantic ocean ? An., Pa^ 
Pa., S.-Fo. — How long are they ? How wide is the Amazon river at 
its mouth ? Which are the chief branches of the Amazon ? Xu., Ts., 
Ma., No., Ca.—How long are they ? How far is the Amazon navigable 
for ships ? For sloops ? How far can sloops ascend the Madeira from 
the sea ? What mountains extend along the coast ? Bn. — How long 
are they ? What are the chief Indian tribes that inhabit Brazil ? Ts., 
Ms., Bs., Gs., Cs., Xs., Cs., Bs. — What island at the mouth of the 
Amazon ? Js. — How long is it ? What land was first seen by Cabral, 
the discoverer of Brazil, in the year 1500 ? What is the population of 
Rio Janeiro? Bahia? Pernambuco? Cuyaba? Sergippe delRey ? 
What towns have 20,000 inhabitants each ? Pa., Mm., Ai., S.-P!., 
V.-Ba. — What district east of the St. Francisco river ? Dd. . 


-145- 

BUENOS AYRES. 

1. Tiie states comprising the Republic of Buenos Ayres 
were the first in South America that threw ofF the yoke of 
Spain. At their declaration of independence, in 1816, they 
were, including the Banda Oriental, called the United Pro¬ 
vinces of the Rio de la Plata; afterwards the Argentine 
Republic, and, finally, the present name was adopted. 

2. The surface of the country consists of vast plains, call¬ 
ed pampas, which stretch from the Atlantic ocean to the 

11. Which are important sea-ports? What is said of Tejuco, Villa 
Rica, &c. ? 

Buenos Ayres. Q. —1. What states first threw off the yoke of Spain ? 
When did they declare their independence ? What were they first 
called? What afterwards? 2. How far do the pampas stretch? 3 






208 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 



Gauchos catching Cattle with the Lasso. 


Andes, and from north to south through the whole extent of 
ihe territory. 

3. They are chiefly destitute of trees, and covered with 
high grass. Numerous herds of horses, mules, and cattle, 
range over them. The rhea, or American ostrioh, with the 
jaguar r and several kinds of deer, also, abound on these 
plains. 

4. The Gauchos, or inhabitants of the pampas, lead a life of rude 
Independence. They have no care in rearing or feeding cattle; but 
have only to catch them with the lasso, or long leather noose, to kill, 
or drive them to Buenos Ayres; and, in the case of horses, to break 
and mark them, that they may be afterwards known. 

5. Beef is the principal food used on the pampas; neither grain nor 
vegetables are cultivated; nor is the cow often made to give milk. 
Horses are so numerous and cheap, that every one rides; even the 
beggar begs on horseback. 

6. Wheat and barley are raised in the immediate vicinity of Buenos 
Ayres, Mendoza, and some other towns, but in a very slovenly manner: 
the grain being threshed by making cattle gallop over it. Fuel is so 
scarce, that the people make their fires with dried thistles; also, with 
the bones, fat, and dung of animals. 

7. Buenos Ayres, the capital, is situated on the south bank of the 


Of what are they destitute ? What graze on them ? What also 
aoounds ? 4. What of the Gauchos ? How do they catch cattle ? 

5. What food is used on the pampas ? What is said of horses ? 6. Of 
vheat and barley ? Of fuel ? 7. Describe Buenos Ayres 8. Cordova, 
ind Mendoza. 














PARAGUAY. 


209 



Rio de la Plata, about 200 miles from the sea. It is the centre of 
trade for this part of South America, and carries on an extensive com¬ 
merce with the United States and Great Britain, exporting to them large 
ouantities of hides, horns, and tallow. 

8. Cordova and Mendoza, in the interior, are noted, the first for its . 
university, the only one in this region, and the last for its wine and 
brandy, and its trade with Chili, which is carried on across the Andes 
by means of vast droves of mules. 


Map No. 17. — What country lies north of Buenos Ayres ? Ba. — 
East? Py., Uy. — West? Ci. — South? Pa. — What mountains 
separate Buenos Ayres.from Chili ? As. — What river from Patagonia ? 
R.-No. — From Uruguay ? R.-Pa., Uy. — From Paraguay ? Py., Pa. 
— What is the length of the Rio de la Plata ? Parana ? Paraguay ? 
Colorado ? Rio Negro ? Saladillo ? Salado, and Vermejo rivers ? 
How wide is the Rio de la Plata at its mouth ? How far is it naviga¬ 
ble for ships ? How far is the Paraguay, for sloops ? What is the 
population of Buenos Ayres ? Of Cordova? San Juan? Mendoza? 

-146- 

PARAGUAY. 

1. Paraguay is a fine fertile district, situated between the 
Paraguay and Parana rivers. The population is composed 
rhiefiy of Indians and Mestizoes, not more than one-twentieth 
part being whites. Vast herds of cattle and horses feed on 
: jts rich plains. 


Paraguay. Q. — 1 . What is Paraguay ? What is said of the popu 

2 B 









210 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


2. This state declared its independence in 1813: sh itly 
afterwards, Dr. Francia, a native Creole, assumed the powers 
of a Dictator, and ruled the people according to his own will. 
He died in the year 1840. 

3. This singular man lived without pomp or parade, and, though 
he sometimes acted with severity, maintained his power unimpaired to 
the last. Under his government, the inhabitants were taught read¬ 
ing, writing, and arithmetic. Every one was obliged to work at some 
occupation, and idleness and beggary were unknown. 

4. Mate, or Paraguay tea, is the most celebrated production of this 
region, and has been long used in a manner somewhat similar to the 
tea of China, over a great part of South America. 

5. Assumpcion, the capital, is an irregularly built town, on the east 
bank of the Paraguay river, 1000 miles from the sea. Itapua, Curu 
guaty, and Villa Rica, are the next important towns. 

URUGUAY. 

6. The Republic of Uruguay was formerly called the Banda 
Oriental, and was attached to the United Provinces of the 
Rio de la Plata. It was afterwards, for a time, claimed by 
Brazil; but in 1828, at the close of a bloody war between 
the Brazilians and the Buenos Ayreans, the two parties agreed 
to its becoming an independent state. 

7. Montevideo,* the capital, stands on the north bank of the Rio de 
la Plata, and has the best harbour on that river. It exports greal 
quantities of hides, &c. The country around this city is fertile 
.though but poorly cultivated. Maldonado and Colonia are small towm 
on the Rio de la Plata. 

8. On the upper part of the Uruguay river are the remains of the 
Missions formed by the Jesuits. These contained at one time thirty 
towns, and 100,000 Indians, who were converted from idolatry, instruct¬ 
ed in farming and some of the useful arts, and disciplined as soldiers 
after the European manner. But the towns are now decayed, and the 
inhabitants reduced to less than one-tenth of their former numbers. 


lation ? 2. Of the state? Dr. Francia? 3. Of the inhabitants 

4. What is the most celebrated production ? 5. Describe Assumpcion 
and the other towns. 

Uruguay. Q. — 6. What was Uruguay formerly called ? To what 
was it attached ? By what power was it claimed ? What occurred ix 
1828? 7. Describe the capital. The other towns. 8. By whomwert 


* Montevideo, Mon-te-ve'-de-o. 





PATAGONIA. 


m 

Map No. 17.—What river forms the east and south boundary of Para¬ 
guay / Pa. — The west boundary ? Py. — What tropic extends nearly 
through the middle of Paraguay ? Cn. — How many inhabitants has 
the capital ? The other towns ? How far is the Paraguay navigable 7 
What bounds Uruguay on the north ? Bl. — On the south ? R.-Pa. 
—West ? Uy.-R. — East ? Bl. — How long is the Uruguay river ? R. 
— Negro ? What is the population of the capital ? Of Maldonado • 
How far is it from Uruguay to the Cape of Good Hope ? 

-147- 



Sailors killing seals. Penguins. 

PATAGONIA. 


1. Patagonia, the southern division of South America, 
has never been explored except along the coast. The chief 
part of it appears to be a cold, barren, and desert region. 

2. It is very thinly inhabited by various tribes of Indians, who are 
said to be excellent horsemen, ?-nd are usually described as a nation 
of giants. They hunt the rhea, or American ostrich, which abounds 
in the northern part of their country. 

3. Terra del Fuego, lying south of Patagonia, is peopled by a race 
of miserable savages, in the lowest state of wretchedness. 

the Missions formed ? The Jesuits were an order of Catholic priests, 
who established Missions in various parts of the world. What is said 
of the Indians ? The towns ? 

Patagonia. Q. — 1. What is Patagonia ? What does the chief part 
appear to be ? 2. By whom is it inhabited ? What is said of them 7 

3. By whom is Terra del Fuego peopled ? 





















212 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


SOUTH AMERICAN ISLANDS. 

4. South-east from Patagonia are several groups oi 
islands, scattered at various distances from the continent. 
They comprise the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and 
Sandwich Land. 

5. The climate of these islands is cold and severe, and 
their shores are rugged and barren. They are very seldom 
visited, and, except the Falkland group, are uninhabited. 

6. The latter comprises the East and West Falklands, with many 
smaller islands : they contain some good harbours, which afford shelter 
to the ships that navigate the southern seas. Great Britain took pos¬ 
session of these islands in 1833, and established a small settlement and 
garrison at Port Louis, where the governor also resides. Peat for fuel 
is abundant, as well as cattle and horses. These animals were first 
brought from Buenos Ayres, and are now become wild. 

7. Farther to the south are the islands of South Shetland, South 
Orkney, Palmer’s Land, and Graham’s Land. These have all been 
discovered since the year 1819. 

8. They are desolate, sterile regions, covered even in mid-summer 
with ice and snow, and are untenanted by a single human being. 
Their shores abound to some extent with the fur-seal, and sea-elephant, 
besides vast numbers of penguins. 

9. Vessels from Stonington and other ports in New England have 
frequented these islands for the purpose of procuring seals, the furs of 
which are very fine and valuable, but so many have been destroyed, 
that they are now less abundant. 

Map No. 17. — How is Patagonia bounded? Which are its chief 
rivers ? Cs., P.-De. — What tribes inhabit it ? Ps., Ms. — What 
islands lie to the eastward ? Fd. — What straits separate this region 
from Terra del Fuego ? Mn. — What island on the west coast ? Wn. 
—What island east of Terra del Fuego? S.-Ld. — What celebrated 
Cape south of Terra del Fuego? Hn. — This cape is the southern 
extremity of Hermit’s Island. • 

, Map No. 1. — Western hemisphere.—Which is the most northern, 
Jraham’s Land, or the Falkland Isles ? F.-Is. — The most southern ? 
G.-Ld. — Which are the most eastern islands? S.-Ld. — Which is 
the most distant from Patagonia ? S.-Ld. 

South American Isles. Q. — 4. What do these islands comprise? 
5. What is said of the climate ? What do the Falkland Islands con¬ 
tain ? 6. What do the latter comprise ? Contain ? What is said of 

Great Britain ? Of peat? Cattle and horses? 7. What is farther 
to the south? 8. What are they covered with? In what do their 
shores abound ? 9. What is said of vessels from Stonington, &e. ? 




EUROPE, 


213 


148 



EUROPE. 

1. Europe, though the smallest of the three great divisions 
of the eastern continent, is the first in importance, the most 
thickly peopled, and the best cultivated. 

2. In modern times it has been the point from which civil¬ 
ization and knowledge have been extended to other nations, 
and its emigrants have peopled all the civilized countries of 
the other parts of the world. 

3. Europe is deeply penetrated by large inland seas, and 
numerous gulfs, which afford great natural advantages for 
commercial pursuits. Its interior regions are well watered, 
though none of the rivers are of the first magnitude. The 
principal rivers are the Volga, Don, Dnieper, Danube, Tagus,. 
Loire, Rhine, Rhone, Elbe, and Vistula. 

4. Though the surface of Europe is greatly diversified, yet 
the mountains are inferior in extent and elevation to those of 
Asia and America. The principal ranges are the Dofrafields, 
Alps, Carpathians, Apennines, and Pyrenees. 


Europe. Q. —1. What is Europe? 2. What has it been in modern 
times ? 3. How is it penetrated ? What is said of its interior regions ? 
Which are the principal rivers ? 4. What is said of the mountains 7 
























214 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 



Wild Scottish Ox. Wild Musmon Sheep. 


5. The native animals of Europe are less in number than those of 
some of the other quarters of the earth. The horse, ass, dog, and cat, 
came originally from Asia; but the ox and the sheep are, probably, of 
native origin. A few of the wild Scottish oxen are still preserved in 
parks in the north of England; and the musmon-, or wild sheep, is 
found in Sardinia and Corsica. 



Bearded Vulture. Golden Eagle. 


6. 7’lie birds of Europe comprise a number of different kinds, many 
of which also abound in the neighbouring regions. The bearded vul¬ 
ture is the largest of the European birds of prey. It is found among 
the highest summits of the Alps, and destroys sheep, lambs, goats, and 
other animals. The golden eagle frequents the British isles, and the 
adjacent parts; while the bustard, crane, stork, flamingo, spoonbill, 
and pelican, are met with in various quarters. The turkey was brought 
from America, the peacock and common fowl from Asia, and the 
guinea-fowl from Africa. 

7. The cultivation of the soil has been carried, in many 
parts of Europe, to great perfection, and has been rendered 
highly productive in all the necessaries, and most of the 


5. Of the animals ? 6 Birds ? 7. Of cultivation ? 8. Manufactures ? 



EUROPE. 


215 

Aixuries of life. Grain of various kinds is raised in all quar¬ 
ters, except in the extreme north; while the vine, olive, mul¬ 
berry, and orange, flourish in the south. 

8. The amount and variety of the manufactures of the 
European nations are unrivalled; and by means of the exten¬ 
sive commerce carried on by the maritime states, they are 
distributed over almost every quarter of the globe. 

-149-. 

9. Though Europe was the latest portion of the eastern 
continent that received the light of civilization, yet it is now 
the centre of refinement and learning. The most useful 
inventions, the finest productions of genius, and the im¬ 
provement of all the sciences, belong to the people of this 
region. 

10. Universities and colleges are numerous in almost all 
European countries. These provide for the higher branches 
of learning, and are generally on a larger scale than any in 
America. Some of them are endowed with extensive funds, 
valuable libraries, and botanic gardens; and attract many 
students from various quarters, of whom, some are from our 
own country, and other parts of the world. 

11. In several parts of Europe, the common branches of 
school education are much neglected, and the lower orders of 
the people are not so well instructed as in the United States. 
Numbers of them are unable to read or write; and in some 
countries they are extremely ignorant and bigoted. 

12. Schools for instructing the poorer classes are most 
numerous in Prussia, Switzerland, Holland, Belgium, and 
Scotland. Jn the latter country, more of the people receive 
a learned education than elsewhere. England, Germany 
and France, excel in literature and science. 

13. In almost every part of Europe, great distinctions of 
rank prevail between the upper and lower classes of society. 
Orders of nobility are established everywhere, except in 
Switzerland, Norway, and Turkey. Nearly all the individ 


9. What is said of Europe? 10. Of universities and colleges? 11. 
Common branches of education? 12. Where are schools mostnumeT 





216 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


iials belonging to these reside in splendid mansions, and 
enjoy every luxury which money can procure; whilst the 
poorer classes lodge in mean cottages, and earn a very scanty 
subsistence by the labour of their hands. 

14. The religion of Europe is almost entirely Christian, ex¬ 
cept in Turkey, where the Mahomedan system is established. 
The Christian church comprises three great divisions; the 
Catholic, the Protestant, and the Greek church. The ad¬ 
herents of the first, amount to about 123 millions, the second 
to 57 millions, and the last 51 millions. There are also about 
5§ millions of Mahomedans, and 2 \ millions of Jetys. 

15. Europe comprises 61 independent states. Of these, 3 are Em¬ 
pires, 16 Kingdoms, 7 Grand Duchies, 1 Electorate, 11 Duchies, 1 
Landgraviate, 11 Principalities, 1 Lordship, 1 Ecclesiastical State, and 
9 Republics. The population of the whole is about 240 millions. 

16. The states which rank highest in importance are, Great Britain, 
France/Russia, Austria, and Prussia. These are called the five Great 
Powers. They direct and control the affairs of the whole continent, 
and, more or less, influence the destinies of every civilized nation. 

-150- 


Map No. 18. — How is Europe bounded ? Which is its largest city 
and river ? 


Norway ... Bounded ?—Capital ? 
Sweden ... Bounded?—Capital? 
Russia .... Bounded ?—Capital ? 
Denmark .. Bounded ?—Capital ? 
Holland . .. Bounded ?—Capital ? 
Belgium ... Bounded ?—Capital ? 
England ... Bounded ?—Capital ? 
Scotland ... Bounded ?—Capital ? 
Ireland .... Bounded ?—Capital ? 


France .... Bounded ?—Capital ? 

Spain.Bounded ?—Capital ? 

Portugal .. Bounded ?—Capital ? 
Austria ... Bounded ?—Capital ? 
Prussia .... Bounded ?—Capital ? 
Switzerland Bounded ?—Capital ? 

Italy .Bounded ?—Capital ? 

Turkey ... Bounded ?—Capital ? 
Greece .... Bounded ?—Capital ? 


Where is the White sea? Baltic sea? North sea? Irish sea? 
Mediterranean sea ? Black sea i Sea of Azov ? Sea of Marmora ? 
How long is each of these seas i Where is the Archipelago ? 

Where is the gulf of Bothnia ? G. of Finland ? G. of Venice ? 
How long are each of these ? Where is the gulf of Dantzick? G. of 
Lyons ? G. of Genoa ? G. of Taranto ? Where is the bay of Biscay ? 
Where is the Cattegat? The Skager Rack ? St. George’s ^Channel ? 
English Ch. ? North Ch. ? Channel of Constantinople ? 


ous ? 13. What is said of the distinctions of rank ? 14. Of religion ? 

How is it divided ? 15 What does Europe comprise ? 16. Which 

‘fates rcok highest 1 








EUROPE. 


217 


Where is the strait of Dover ? S. of Otranto ? S. of the Dardanelles ? 
S. of Emkale ? S. of Gibraltar ?* How many miles wide is the last 7 
Where is the Petchora river ? The Dwina ? Onega ? Tornca ? 
Dal? Duna? Niemen ? Vistula? Oder? Elbe? Weser? Rhine? 
Thames ? Shannon ? Seine ? Loire ? Garonne ? Douro ? Tagus ? 
Guadiana? Guadalquivir? Ebro? Rhone? Po? Danube? Dniester? 
Bog ? Dnieper ? Don ? Volga ? How long is each of these rivers ? 

Where is lake Onega? Ladoga? Peipus? Wener? Wetter 
Geneva ? How long is each of these lakes ? 

Where is the peninsula of Jutland ? Of the Morea ? The Crimea 
What peninsula south of the Bay of Biscay? Sn., PI.—West of th 
Gulf of Venice ? Iy. t 

Where is cape Sviatoi ? North C. ? The Naze ? C. Clear ? Land’s 
End? C. Finisterre ? C. St. Vincent? C. de Gatt? C. Teulada? 
C. Passaro ? C. Matapan ? 

Where is Iceland ? The Loffoden islands? Faroe isles? Shetland?' 
Orkney? Hebrides, or Western isles? British isles? Isle of Man? 
Anglesea? Scilly islands? Balearic Is.? Majorca? Minorca? 
Ivica ? Corsica ? Sardinia ? Elba ? Lipari Is. ? Sicily ? Malta ? 

Ionian isles ? Corfu ? Cephalonia ? Zante ? Cerigo ? Candia ? 
Milo? Naxio? Negropont ? Lemnos? Where is Aland? Dago? 

Oesel ? Gothland ? Oland ? Rugen ? Zealand ? Funen ? 

Where are the Dofrafield mountains ? Ural ? Pyrenees ? Ce- 

vennes? Auvergne? Cantabrian? Sierra Morena? Sierra Nevada? 
Alps ? Apennines ? Carpathian ? Balkan ? Tell the length of the 
range, and the heights of those that have figures attached to them. 

What people in the northern part of Russia ? Ss. —What three 
races are partly in Europe, and partly in Asia ? Bs., Ks., Cs. 

How many miles from Iceland to Norway ? From Norway to 
Greenland ? Scotland to Labrador ? Ireland to Labrador ? England 
to Newfoundland ? France to Canada ? France to Nova Scotia ? 

-151- 

SWEDEN AND NORWAY. 

1. Sweden and Norway are now Wilted into one king¬ 
dom, and are under the control of the same sovereign. The 
government is a limited monarchy. Each state has its par¬ 
ticular constitution, its own laws, and a national legislature. 


Sweden and Norway. Q. — 1. What are Sweden and Norway? 

* Seamen call this passage, by way of eminence, the ‘ Straits.’ A 
hip bound for the Mediterranean sea, is said to “ go through the 
Straits.* or up the ‘ Straits.* ’ 

2 C 






21S 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


2. This region, the ancient Scandinavia, forms a vast pen¬ 
insula, bounded on the one side by the Atlantic ocean, and 
on the other by the Baltic sea. The climate, though severe 
in winter, is healthful; and many of the inhabitants, espe¬ 
cially of Norway, live to a great age. Extensive forests 
cover a large part of the country, and but a small portion of 
it is suited to agriculture. 

3. Formerly, grain was seldom raised in sufficient quantities to 
supply the wants of the people; and in the northern districts, pine bark 
or moss was sometimes mixed with flour, in making bread, to increase 
the quantify; but that is no longer the case, and grain is often ex¬ 
ported, The southern sections are the most fertile, and produce pota¬ 
toes, barley, oats, rye, and some tobacco. 

4. Sweden has but few manufactures, and Norway still fewer. The 
working of the mines, the cutting of timber, and the fisheries, form 
the chief branches of industry. The commerce is active and exten¬ 
sive. The chief exports are iron, steel, copper, timber, and fish. 

5. The habits, manners, and characters of the Swedes and Norwe¬ 
gians have much resemblance. They are lively and cheerful in dispo¬ 
sition, polite and hospitable to strangers, and are strongly attached to 
their respective countries. 

6. The religion of both nations is the Lutheran. Education is 
general, and the chief part of the lower orders of the people are able 
to read and write. Amongst the peasantry, every man is his own car¬ 
penter, shoemaker, blacksmith, &c. 

NORWAY. 

7. Norway was united to Denmark in the year 1380, and 
continued to form part of the Danish monarchy until 1814, 
when it was annexed to Sweden. It is one of the most 
mountainous countries in Europe; and abounds in sublime 
and romantic scenery. 

8. Near the Loffoden islands there is a terrific whirlpool in the sea, 
called the Malstrom or Maelstrom, which sometimes draws in ships, 
as well as whales and other animals, and dashes them on the rocks 
beneath. 

9. Christiania, which stands at the head of Christiania firth or gulf, 25 
miles from the sea, is the capital of Norway, and the seat of the storthig, 
or national legislature. It contains a university, a cathedral, a palace] 

What is the government ? 2. What does this region form ? What is 
said of forests ? 3. Grain, &c. ? 4. Of manufactures ? What are the 
chief branches of industry ? Of the commerce ? 5. The habits man¬ 
ners, &c. ? 6. Religion ? 

7. When was Norway united to Denmark? Annexed to Sweden 
8. Describe the Malstrom. 9. Christiania, Bergen, &c. 



NORWAY. 


219 

several churches, and other public buildings. Its trade is chiefly in 
timber, tar, and the produce of the mines, Bergen and Drontheim 
are the next important towns. Hammerfcst, on the island of Qualoe, 
is the most northern town in Europe. 



Christiania. 


Map No. 18. — What bounds Norway on the north? A.-On.— 
South ? S.-Rk. — East ? Sn. — West ? A.-On. — What mountains 
on the east ? Dd. — How long and high are they ? What islands 
north of the Arctic circle ? Ln. — Which is the chief river ? Gn.— 
How long is it? What is the population of Bergen? Christiania? 
Drontheim ? Kongsbcrg ? Which extends farthest north, Norway or 
Sweden ? Ny. 


152 


SWEDEN. 

1. Sweden, though enclosed by high mountains on the 
north and west, is, in general, a flat country, much diversified 
by lakes and rivers. The northern provinces are barren, 
and thinly peopled; while the southern are much more fertile, 
containing some thickly settled and well-cultivated districts. 

2. In science, the Swedes have attained considerable distinction. 
They have cultivated, with great ardour, botany, chemistry, and min¬ 
eralogy ; and their learned. men are particularly well versed in the 
languages of other nations. They have also, at different periods, been 
noted for their martial spirit, and, under some of their kings, have 
acquired great military renown. 

3. Stockholm, the capital, is built on several small islands and pen- 
insulas, near the entrance of Lake Malar into the Baltic sea. It has a 


Sweden. Q. — 1. What is said of Sweden ? 2. Of science, &c. ? 

3. Describe Stockholm. 4. Gottenburg, &c. Islands in the Baltic^ &c. 








DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY 


220 

safe and commodious harbour, and an extensive trade. The city con¬ 
tains the royaJ palace, and a number of other public buildings. Th® 
hangar, or great iron warehouse, is remarkable for the immense quan¬ 
tity of that ar icle deposited in it. 



Stockholm. 


4. Gottenburg is the second town in Sweden, in trade and popula- 
tion, Carlscrona is the station of the Swedish navy. Upsal is note® 
for its university, and Fahlun for its copper-mines. Several islands 
in the Baltic sea belong to Sweden, as does also the island of St. Bay. 
tholomew in the West Indies. 



Laplanders Travelling. 


LAPLAND. 

5. Lapland is a cold, desolate region, lying north of the 
Arctic circle. It belongs, nominally, to Sweden and Russia; 
ouLsuch are the sterility of the soil and the poverty of the 
people, that they are left to themselves, and are not under the 
cognizance of any general government. 

6. The Laplanders are of short stature, being generally 
under five feet in height. They are a simple, harmless peo¬ 
ple ; greatly attached to their native country, and are never 
known to leave it. War is their aversion, and no instance 
has ever occurred of any of them becoming soldiers. 


5. What is said of Lapland ? What is said of the soil, and people 7 

























RUSSIAN EMPIRE. 


221 


7. The reindeer, which they train to draw them in sledges over the 
6now, form their riches. The flesh and milk comprise their food, and 
the skins their furniture and clothing. The Laplanders move about 
from place to place, with their herds of reindeer, and seldom reside in • 
towns. 

8. Jn summer, they live in 
tents, and in winter, in rude 
huts, formed of stones and 
earth, and covered with turf. 

The villages are very small, 
seldom containing more than 
100 or 200 inhabitants; and 
the whole nation, though occu¬ 
pying a country almost as 
large as France, does not ex¬ 
ceed 30,000 individuals. 

9. These people have been 

nearly all converted to Chris¬ 
tianity, and are, generally, 
attached to its duties. Among Laplander’s Tent. 

them, great crimes are un- >. 

known. They never use profane language; and observe the sabbath 
very strictly. 


Map No. 18. — What bounds Sweden on the north and west ? D.- 

Ms. — East ? G.-Ba., B.-Sa. — South ? B.-Sa. — Which arc the prin¬ 
cipal rivers of Sweden ? Ta., Kx., La., Sa., II., La., Dl., Ca. — Tell 
t-he length of each of these. The chief lakes. Mr., Wr., Wr.— 
How long are the two last ? What is the population of Stockholm ? 
Gottenburg ? Gefle ? Carlscrona ? Calmar ? Upsal ? and Fahlun ? 

-153- 

RUSSIAN EMPIRE. 

1. The Russian Empire comprises nearly one-half of 
Europe and Asia, and part of North America. It reacn°s 
half-way round the globe, and embraces one-seventh of the 
land surface of the earth, and the one-twenty-seventh part of 
its entire surface. 

2. This state has been much increased within the last 

6. Describe the Laplanders. 7. What i? said of the reindeer ? 8. How 
do the Laplanders live in summer ? In winter ? What is said of the 
villages ? Of the whole nation ? 9. To what have the people been 

converted ? 

Russian Empire. Q. —1. What does the Russian Empire comprise ? 
IIow far does it reach, &c.? 2. What is said of its increase ? Of it* 







222 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY, 



Russian Army. 


70 years, by the annexation of Finland, a great part of 
Poland, and various districts of Turkey and Persia. Its 
population, which, 100 years ago, was estimated at only 15 
millions, now numbers four times that amount. 

3. The inhabitants consist of a greater variety of different 
nations, than is to be found under any other government in 
the world. The chief races in European Russia are Russians, 
Poles, Finns, Tartars, and Cossacks. The latter form, in 
time of war, a most efficient part of the Russian army. 

4. The established religion is that of the Greek church, 
but all others are tolerated; and there are to be found in 
Russia, Catholics, Protestants, Mahomedans, Jews, and Pa¬ 
gans. The government is an absolute monarchy. The Em¬ 
peror is the head of church and state, and is styled the Auto¬ 
crat of all the Russias. All power emanates from him, and 
he is conceived to derive his authority from God alone. 

5. The military force of this empire has long been the 
largest in Europe. The regular army amounts to almost 
600,000 men. The naval force consists of between 200 
and 300 vessels of various kinds, of which 50 are ships of 
the line. 


population 100 years ago? 3. Of what do the inhabitants consist? 
Name the chief races. 4. What is said of the religion ? Government ? 
The Emperor ? 5. Military force ? Army ? Navy ? 6. The com- 







RUSSIAN EMPIRE. 


223 


6. The commerce is extensive, and is increasing. The 
exports are tallow, hemp, sail-cloth, iron, timber, and grain. 
The manufactures have hitherto been rude, and chiefly con¬ 
fined to fabrics of hemp and flax; but of late years, cotton, 
silk, and woollen goods of various kinds have been made to 
some extent, as well as glass-ware, porcelain, paper, &c. 

7. Gold and platina are found in the Ural mountains, and 
silver in Siberia, and copper, lead, and iron are met with in 
various quarters. The value of the precious metals mined 
is about 15 million dollars annually. Salt is extensively 
made, especially in the Crimea. 

8. Great fairs are held in different places, which attract vast crowds 
of merchants and traders from all parts. The inland commerce is 
much facilitated by the numerous rivers, canals, and lakes; and by 
the snow, in the winter season, over which sleighs travel with great 
rapidity. The chief internal trade is with China, Persia, Tartary, 
Turkey, &c. Several rail-roads are now in progress of construction. 

9. The seal and sturgeon fisheries of the river Volga, and of the 
Caspian and Black seas, are extensive and very productive. Upwards 
of 10,000 fishing-boats are employed on the Volga alone. A Steam 
Navigation Company has been formed, for the purpose of introducing 
steam-vessels upon the various seas, lakes, and rivers of this empire. 

10. The great body of the Russian people is divided into 
two classes, nobles and slaves. . The former are often enor¬ 
mously wealthy, and live in great luxury and splendour; 
the latter are the property of the nobles, who reckon the value 
of their estates, not by the number of acres, but of slaves. 

11. The slaves, or boors, are, for the most part, grossly ignorant. 
They are rude in their manners, filthy in their habits, and much 
addicted to intoxication. Yet some of them possess great facility of 
imitation, and have been found capable of copying some of the fines* 
works of art. 

12. In education and refinement, Russia is greatly behind 
the rest of Europe, but is believed to be advancing. Con¬ 
siderable exertions are made by the government to introduce 
schools, and instruct the lower orders of the people. There 
are seven universities, and numerous seminaries of the higher 
class. 


merce ? Manufactures ? 7. What is said of gold, See. ? Silver ? 

Copper, &c. ? Salt? 8. Of fairs? Inland commerce? 9. lish. 
eries, &c. ? 10. How is the people divided ? What is said of the 

nobles? The slaves? 11. Describe the slaves 12 Of education & c. 



224 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


154 



Russians leaving Moscow. 


RUSSIA IN EUROPE. 

Russia in Europe is an extensive region. It stretches from 
the Baltic sea to the Ural Mountains, and is about equal in 
area to all the other European states. The surface is gene¬ 
rally level; its chief features being vast plains and large 
rivers, with numerous lakes in the north-western quarter. 

2. In the northern provinces, it is intensely cold in winter, 
and mostly barren; while in the southern the climate is mild 
and pleasant, and the soil is, in general, highly productive, 
yielding large crops of wheat, rye, oats, &c. 

3. The cold and dreary islands of Nova Zembla and 
Spitzbergen, belong to Russia; they lie northward of the 
Arctic circle, and are not inhabited. They a-bound with 
white bears, reindeer, seals, &c., and are resorted to by hun¬ 
ters and fishermen. The islands of Aland, Dago, and Oesel, 
in the Baltic sea, also form part of this empire. 


Russia in Europe. Q. — 1. What is said of this country ? Of the 
surface ? 2. The northern parts ? Southern ? 3. Of Nova Zembla 

and Spitzbergen ? What of Aland, .&c. ? 4 What is said of the 














RUSSIAN EMPIRE 


225 


4. Vast forests abound 
in various parts of Rus¬ 
sia. These furnish Riga 
and Memel with large 
supplies of timber, pitch, 
tar, &c., which are sent 
to other parts of Europe. 

The habitations of the Russian Village. 

lower orders, especially in the villages, are formed of the rough trunks 
of trees, and resemble piles of logs, rather than human habitations. 

5. St. Petersburg, the capital of Russia, is situated at the confluence 
of the river Neva with the Gulf of Finland. It was founded in 1703, 
by Peter the Great, and is now a magnificent city, with numerous 
palaces, churches, and other edifices. It is the principal place of com 
merce for the empi.e, and the seat of its learning and science. 



6. Moscow, the old cap¬ 
ital, was one of the largest 
cities in Europe. It is 
noted for the great con¬ 
flagration in 1812, on the 
approach of the French 
under Napoleon. It is now 
nearly rebuilt. One of its 
curiosities is the great bell, 
the largest in the world; 
it is 67 feet round, 19 feet 
high, and weighs nearly 
200 tons. Among the pub¬ 
lic buildings are the Krem¬ 
lin, and the church of St. 
Basil; the latter is remark¬ 
able for the peculiar style 
of its architecture. 



Church of St. Basil. 


7 Cronstadt, ea an island La the Gulf cf Finland, 22 miles from 
the capital, is the chief station of the Russian navy: it is noted for its 
extensive fortifications, docks, arsenals, &c. Riga and Memel, on th 
Baltic, Archangel, on the White, and Odessa, on the Black sea, ari 
important sea-ports. The latter carries on a great trade in wheat 
Sevastopol is the chief station of the Russian fleets in the Black sea. 

8. Tula is noted for its great manufactory of fire-arms. Novgorol 
was 400 years ago the largest city of northern Europe. Keiv was th 
capital of Russia when it was only a Grand Duchy. Wilna was the 
capital of Lithuania, and Kazan of western Tartary. Narva, Poltava, 
and Borodino were noted battle-fields; the first two battles were fought 


forests? Of the habitations, &c.? 5. Describe St. Petersburg. 6, 

Moscow. The great bell. 7. Cronstadt, and the other towns. 8 
Tula, Novgorod, &c. What is said of Narva &c. ? 

2 D 









226 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


between the Swedes and Russians, and the latter between tne French 
and Russians, during the invasion by the Emperor Napoleon. 


Map No. 18.—What bounds Russia on the north? A.-On.—What 
seas on the south? Bk., Av.—What sea and guif on the west? Be.. 
Ba.—What Mts. on the east? Ul.—What rivers form the south- 
east boundary ? Va., Dn. —What rivers flow into the White sea ? 
Me., Da., Oa. — The gulf of Riga? Da. — Gulf of Dantzick ? Va. 
— Sea of Azov ? Dn. — Black sea ? Dr., Bg., Dr. — Tell the length 
of all these rivers. Which are the three principal lakes ? Oa., La~, 
Ps. — How long is each ? What is the population of St. Petersburg ? 
Moscow? Kazan? Cronstadt? Odessa? Riga? Wilna? Orel? 
Warsaw? Cracow? Lublin? On what gulf is St. Petersburg? 
Cronstadt? and Revel? Fd. — How long is it? How long is the 
gulf of Bothnia? White sea? Black sea? On what river is Mos¬ 
cow? The other chief cities? When were the ,-*.Jes of Narva, 
Poltava, and Borodino fought ? 

-155- 

POLAND. 

1. Poland, once an important state, was conquered and 
divided, in the year 1795, between Russia, Prussia, and Aus¬ 
tria. In 1815, the central part of Poland was erected into a 
kingdom, subject to the Emperor of Russia, who, in conse¬ 
quence, added to his title that of King of Poland. 

2. The tyranny of the Russians proving odious to the 
Poles, they, in the year 1830, attempted a revolution; but, 
after defeating their oppressors in several battles, were at 
length overpowered, and forced to submit. Poland is now 
merged in Russia, and no longer exists as a separate state. 

3. Many of the Polish patriots, preferring exile and poverty abroad, 
to oppression at home, have emigrated to other parts of the world, 
and some now reside in the United States. During the war of the 
American Revolution, two Polish generals of distinction, Kosciusko 
and Pulaski, came to this country, and took part with the Americans 
in the contest with Great Britain. 

4. The people, as in Russia, are divided into two classes, nobles and 
slaves. The nobles, who a.re more numerous than in any other coun-. 
try in Europe, have always, in the eye of the world, formed the 
people of Poland. They are brave, frank, and hospitable, and so 
lively in their manners, that they have been compared to the French. 


Poland. Q.—1. What was Poland ? What took place in 1815 ? 
2. In 1830 ? 3. What is said of the Polish patriots ? What officers 

came to this country ? 4. How are the people divided ? 5. Of tic 






DENMARK. 


227 


5. Some of the nobles possess, as in Russia, vast estates, and live in 
splendour; while the peasants inhabit wretched hovels, and are igno 
rant, bigoted, and dirty. The Jews are more numerous in this country 
than elsewhere. They are industrious, but crafty, and carry on all the 
trade and commerce of the country. These people enjoy more politi 
cal freedom here than in any of the neighbouring states. 

6. The climate of Poland is cool and moist, yet the soil is so pro 
ductive in grain, that the annual export has been estimated at sixteen 
million bushels. Cattle, hemp, flax, wax, and honey, are also exported. 

> 7. Education, except amongst the wealthy, is limited, only 1 in 
€) being instructed. The Russian government has lately enacted that 
every child attending school shall be taught the Russian language. 

8. Warsaw was the capital of Poland. It has suffered greatly from 
the sieges and bombardments it has sustained. This place presents 
the same contrast, common in the cities of Poland and Russia, of 
splendid palaces and mean hovels, adjoining each other. Lublin is 
noted for its fairs, to which traders resort from all quarters. 

9. Republic of Cracow. — This little republic was formed in 1815, 
and comprised the city of Cracow, with a territory of 500 square 
miles, and 131,000 inhabitants. In 1846, in consequence of some 
revolutionary movements, the Emperor of Austria, with the consent of 
Russia and Prussia, forcibly annexed the republic to his empire, and 
it is no longer independent. 

10. The city of Cracow is on the Vistula river, about 500 miles from 
the sea. It was once the capital of Poland. Its cathedral is noted for 
containing 50 altars and 16 chapels: there are, also, a number of 
churches, monasteries, and convents. The tumulus, erected near the 
city, to the memory of Kosciusko, is 160 feet high, and 275 feet in 
diameter at the base: it is formed of earth, and was raised by the 
voluntary labours of the people, continued for four years. 

-156- 

DENMARK. 

1. Denmark was once a powerful state, and exercised an 
extensive control over the adjacent countries; but it now 
ranks only as a third or fourth-rate kingdom. It comprises 
Jutland and Sleswick, with several islands lying in the 
entrance of the Baltic sea, besides the duchies of Holstein and 
Lauenburg, in Germany. 

2. The climate is temperate, and, though moist, is healthy. 
1'he soil is generally fertile, and well adapted to the raising 

nobles ? What do they possess, &c. ? Of the Jews ? 6. What is said 

of the climate, soil, &c. ? 7. Of education ? The Russian govern, 

ment? 8. Describe Warsaw. 9. The republic of Cracow. 10 The 
city, &c. The tumulus. 

Denmark. Q.—1. What was Denmark formerly ? What is it now? 





228 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 



Copenhagen. 


of grain and cattle. Manufactures are limited; but com¬ 
merce and the fisheries are carried on with some activity. 

3. The Danes are an honest, industrious people, but are not remark- 
able for enterprise or improvement. Literature and science are on a 
respectable Footing, being patronized by the government. There are 
universities at Copenhagen and Kiel,* and common schools are nume¬ 
rous in almost all parts of the kingdom. 

4. The estrblished religion of this country is the Lutheran. The 
government is an absolute monarchy, but it is administered with mild¬ 
ness. The king of Denmark is a member of the German Confedera¬ 
tion, as sovereign of Holstein and Lauenburg. 

5. The foreign possessions of this kingdom are Greenland, Iceland, 
and the Faroe isles, the islands of St. Thomas and Santa Cruz, in the 
West Indies, some factories on the gold coast of Africa, with tlie 
Nicobar islands in the bay of Bengal.t 

6. Iceland is a cold and dreary region, inhabited by a simple, moral, 
and industrious race, who are better educated than the common people 
of almost any other country in Europe. It is celebrated for its vol¬ 
cano, its caldrons of boiling mud, and its hot-springs, called geysers, 
which spout up boiling water to the height of 100 feet. 

7. Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, is one of the most handsome 
cities of northern Europe. It has a good harbour, with considerable 
commerce, and is noted for its vast docks and extensive fortifications. 

8. Elsinore, situated at the narrowest part of the sound, or entrance 
to the Baltic, is the place where all ships which trade to that sea are 

2. What does it comprise ? What is said of the climate ? 3. Of 

the Danes ? Literature and science ? 4. Established religion ? 

Government, &c.? 5. Foreign possessions? 6. Describe Iceland. 

For what is it celebrated ? 7. Describe Copenhagen. 8. Elsinore, &c. 

* Kiel, Keel'. 

+ The Danish government sold the colonies of Serampore and Tran- 
quebar, in Hindoostan, to the British East India Company, in Feb- 
1845, for 1,250,000 dollars. 









THE NETHERLANDS. 


229 


obliged to pay a heavy toll. The money received here pays a large 
portion of the expenses of the Danish government. Altona, on the 
Elbe, two miles from Hamburg, is the next largest town to Copen- 
nagen. Its inhabitants are engaged chiefly in commerce. Flensburg 
and Sleswick are important towns. 


Map No. 18. — What bounds Denmark on the north? S.-Rk.— 
South ? Hr. — East ? Ct. — West ? N.-Sa. — What peninsula forms 
the chief part of Denmark ? Jd. — What two islands lie east of 
Jutland ? Fn., Zd. — On what island is Copenhagen ? Zd. — What is 
the population of Copenhagen ? Flensburg ? Sleswick ? Elsinore ? 
In what direction from Denmark are the Faroe isles ? Iceland ? How 
far from Jutland to Scotland ? Which is the principal of the Faroe 
isles ? The population ? How long and wide is Iceland ? What 
towns in Iceland ? Rg., St. — Capes ? Nh.-Cy. — Bays ? Be., Fe. 
—The principal Danish islands are Zealand, Funen, Laaland, Falster 
and Bornholm. (See Map No. 20.) 

-157- 

HOLLAND, OR THE NETHERLANDS. 

1. Holland, or the Netherlands, was once the most pow¬ 
erful republic in Europe, but now it is only a second-rate 
monarchy. It formed with Belgium the kingdom of the 
Netherlands, from the year 1814 until 1830, when each 
became a separate state. 

2. This country is the most level part of Europe, and much 
of its surface is lower than the sea, which is prevented from 
overflowing the land by vast dikes, or embankments. 

3. The climate is cool, moist, and unfavourable to agricul¬ 
ture ; yet the industry of the inhabitants has converted the 
marshy soil into one of the richest spots in Europe. The 
cattle, butter, and cheese, are excellent; and the gardens an 
orchards are cultivated with uncommon care. 

4. In commerce, manufactures, and the fisheries, the Dutch formerlj 
excelled all other European nations, but are now surpassed by Grea 
Britain. Canals are more numerous here than in any other part of th 
world. One, extending from the Helder to Amsterdam, cost 4J million 
dollars, and will float a frigate. In summer, all the travelling is per- 
formed in canal-boats; and in winter, when frozen, the canals are tra¬ 
velled by sleighs, and by the people on skates. 


Holland. Q. — 1. What is said of Holland? 2. Of the coun 
try? 3. The climate? The cattle, &c.? 4. The commerce, &C.1 






230 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 



Peasantry in Holland. 


5. The Dutch 
are remarkable for 
industry, frugal¬ 
ity, and neatness. 
Smoking is al¬ 
most universal, 
and a Hollander is 
rarely seen with¬ 
out a pipe in his 
mouth. The dress 
and appearance of 
the peasantry, in 


some parts of Holland, are peculiar, and have not varied in a long 
series of years. The prevailing religion is the Presbyterian, but all 
others are tolerated, and ministers of all sects are supported by the 
state. The government of Holland is a limited monarchy. 

6. In the east, Holland possesses Java, the Spice Islands, and some 
other settlements; in Africa, Elmina; in Guiana, Surinam ; and in the 
West Indies, the islands of Cura^oa and St. Eustatius. The population 
of these colonies is about 7,500,000 : total of the monarchy, 10,500,000. 

7. Amsterdam, the principal city of the Kingdom, is on the river 
Amstel, an arm of the Zuyder Zee. It is still a place of great commerce. 
The city is intersected by canals, over which there are 300 bridges. 
The houses and streets are kept remarkably clean. 

8. The Stadt-House, the most splendid building in Amsterdam, 
rests upon a foundation of 13,659 piles, or long timbers, driven into 
the ground. It is built of freestone, with a front of 282 feet, and cost 
nine million dollars. Rotterdam is next to Amsterdam in commerce. 
Jt is on the Maese, or lower part of the Rhine. 



View of the Hague, 


9. The Hague,* the capital of Holland, is 33 miles S. W. from Am 
Fterdam, and about three miles from the sea. It is one of the best-built 
cities in Europe, and contains many handsome buildings. This city is 
intersected by numerous canals, which are bordered by rows of trees. 

10. Ley den,f Utrecht,! and Groningen, are famous for their universi- 

What is said of canals? 5. For what are the Dutch remarkable? 
What is said of religion ? 6. What does Holland possess ? 7. Describe 
Amsterdam. 8. The Stadt-House. 9. The Hague. 10. Leyden, &c. 

* Hague , Haig. f Leyden , Li'-dn. t Utrecht , Yu'-tret 
















BELGIUM. 


231 

ties. The former is noted for a siege that it sustained in 1573, against the 
Spaniards, when the women performed all the duties of soldiers. The 
cathedral of Utrecht is now partly decayed. From the top of its tower, 
466 feet high, more than 50 towns may be seen in a clear day. Har¬ 
lem is noted for its great organ, and its trade in flowers. 

Map No. 18.—What bounds Holland on the north and west? N.-Sa 
— On the south? Bm. — East? Hr., Pa. — What river flows 
through this country ? Re. — How long is it ? What bay lies north 
of Amsterdam ? Z.-Ze. —What country lies due west from Holland ? 
Ed. — How many miles is it by the scale ? What sea separates Hol¬ 
land and England ? Nh. — How many inhabitants has Amsterdam ? 
Rotterdam ? Groningen ? Leyden and Utrecht are on one of the 
lower branches of the Rhine. (See Map No. 20.) 

-158- 



Brussels. 


BELGIUM, OR FLANDERS. 

1. Belgium is, for its extent, the most thickly-peopled part 
of Europe. It is filled with populous cities, and places re¬ 
markable in history, as the scenes of great victories and 
defeats, among which are Waterloo, Charleroi, and Fleurus. 

2. The country is mostly level, with a fertile soil, and sc 
highly cultivated, that it is called the garden of Europe 
The productions are grain, flax, madder, hops, tobacco, &c 
There are canals, connecting all the great cities, though 
hey are not so numerous as in Holland. 

3. The Belgians were formerly called Flemings, and have iong ex 
celled in manufactures and the arts. They are no less industrious ana 
persevering than the Dutch, but are more lively in their manners, ana 
approach nearer the French, whom they prefer. 

4. They are principally Catholics; but there is entire toleration in 

Belgium. Q. —1. What is Belgium? With what is it filled? 2 
What is said of the country ? Tlte productions ? 3. Of the Belgians 












232 DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 

religion. There are a few Protestants in Belgium; their ministers, as 
well as those of the other sects, are all paid by the state. 

5. The universities of Brussels, Louvain, Liege, and Ghent, are all 
flourishing. The provision made for general instruction in this coun¬ 
try is extensive; and there are schools in every village. 

6. Belgium once belonged to Austria, and afterwards to France. It 
was for a time united to Holland, but is now a separate kingdom, with 
a limited government. The army amounts to 100,000 men; the navy 
is small. Belgium has no colonies. 

7. Brussels, the capital, is on the river Senne, a branch of the Scheldt, 
90 miles from the sea. It is one of the finest cities in Europe, and is 
noted for its public walks and fountains, as well as for its extensive 
manufactures of carpets and lace. Ten miles south of this city is 
Waterloo, celebrated for the important battle fought there in 1815 



, Antwerp. 


8. Antwerp is the chief commercial city in Belgium ; in the height 
of its prosperity it was one of the most wealthy cities in Europe. Its 
commerce has greatly declined, and the population, once 200,000 in 
number, is not now more than one-third that amount; the city is sur 
rounded by a wall, with carriage roads on the top, planted with rows 
of trees: the Cathedral is one of the finest Gothic structures in the 
world ; its spire is 441 feet high. 

9. Ghent and Liege have both considerable manufactures. At the 
former city, the treaty of peace between the United States and Great 
Britain was signed in 1814. Bruges was once famous for its com 
merce, but has greatly declined. Tournay is noted for its manufac¬ 
tures of carpets and porcelain ; Mons for its coal-mines; Louvain for 
its university, and Namur for its fire-arms and cutlery. 

Map No. 18.—What bounds Belgium on the north? Hd., N.-Sa.— 
South ? Fe. — East ? Pa. — Which is the principal river ? Ans. 
The Meuse; the city of Liege is on its west bank: the river is 400 
miles long. How many inhabitants has Brussels ? Ghent ? Ant¬ 
werp ? Liege ? Antwerp and Ghent are on the river Scheldt. 

4. What are they generally ? 5. What is said of the universities ? 
B. Of Belgium ? The army, &c. ? 7. Describe Brussels. 8. Ant 
werp. 9. Ghent. Liege, &c. 
















GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND. 


233 



GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND. 

1. The united kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland com¬ 
prises the kingdoms of England, Scotland, and Ireland, with 
the principality of Wales. It consists of the islands of Great 
Britain and Ireland, commonly called the British Isles. 

2. The possessions of this kingdom embrace colonies in 
Asia, Africa, America, and Oceanica, which, with the Eu¬ 
ropean part, form the British Empire. The population of the 
whole is estimated at almost 160 millions, comprising, with 
the exception of China, the greatest number of subjects under 
the control of any one sovereign in the world. 

3. Great Britain is one of the most influential states in the world, 
and surpasses every other for the extent and variety of its manufac¬ 
tures, and for its commercial and naval importance. The intelligence, 
enterprise, and industry of its inhabitants are no where equalled, 
except in the United States. 

4. The government is a limited hereditary monarchy. 
The sovereign power is vested in a king or queen, lords, and 
commons. The two last form the parliament, or great coun- 

Great Britain and Ireland. Q .—1. What does the united kingdom 
tomprise ? Of what does it consist ? 2. What do its possessions em¬ 
brace ? What is said of the population ? 3. Of Great Britain ? The 

2 E 













234 


BESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


cil of the nation, a body to which the Congress of the United 
States bears a strong resemblance. 

5. The nation is divided into three classes, the nobility, 
gentry, and commonalty. The first comprises dukes, mar¬ 
quises, earls, viscounts, and barons; the second all who are 
distinguished for wealth, education, talents, or office; and the 
third tradesmen, artificers, and labourers. 

6. The principal national force is the navy, which, in time of war, 
has numbered 1000 vessels, manned by 170,000 sailors and marines. 
The army amounted, at the same time, to upwards of 300,000 men; 
but is now reduced to one-third that amount. The present naval 
force, in service, building, and ordinary, comprises 671 vessels, 121 of 
which are steamers; the whole mounting 17,772 guns. The national 
debt, contracted in about 150 years, is 3500 million dollars, to pay 
the interest of which, requires three-fifths of the annual income of the 
state. 

7. The manufactures are immense, and have raised Great Britain to 
a decided superiority over all other nations. Cotton, woollen, and silk 
goods, with the manufacture of metals of various kinds, are the most 
important. The produce of the fisheries and the mines is very great 
the coal trade, alone, is estimated to employ 160,000 persons. 

8. The commerce is superior to that of any other nation, and 
extends to all quarters of the world. The merchant-vessels, including 
those of the colonies, amount to upwards of 27,000, of the burthen of 
3,044,000 tons, and are navigated by 180,000 men. One-sixth of the 
shipping belongs to the port of London, and two-thirds of the com¬ 
merce is carried on at that city. From 35,000 to 38,000 vessels enter 
and depart from the ports of Great Britain every year. 

9. Population of the British Empire and Colonies. 


Great Britain and Ireland, 1841*. 27,014,691 

Ionian Isles, Malta, Gibraltar, and Heligoland. 344,500 

British North America. 1,650,000 

West Indies and Guiana. 854,000 

Cape Colony, Sierra Leone, Mauritius, &c. 32(^000 

East India Company’s Territories (inc. tributaries) . .125,000,000 

Ceylon, Provinces in Chin India, Singapore, &c. 2,400,000 

Oceanica, British, 225,000; aborigines, 350,000,.... 575,000 

Total, 158,158,191 


inhabitants ? 4, Government ? 5. How is the nation divided ? 6. What 
is said of the national force ? Debt ? 7. Manufactures ? Fisheries 

and mines? 8. Commerce? What belongs to London, &c.? 9. 

What part of tne British empire has the most inhabitants ? What 
part has the next greater number ? How many subjects has Great 
Britain in America ? In Europe ? Asia ? Africa ? 


* England, 15,119,178; Wales, 911,603; Scotland, 2,620,184; Ireland, 8,175,273. 
Army and navy, and merchant seamen afloat, 188,453. Total, 27,014 691. 











ENGLAND. 


235 


160 



Windsor Castle. 


ENGLAND. 

1. England embraces the southern part of Great Britain, 
and is the largest and most populous division of the island. 
It has great variety of surface, but is chiefly level or gently 
undulating, and abounds in beautiful and interesting scenery. 

2. The climate, though moist and cool, is healthful, and 
t ess subject to the extremes of heat and cold than most other 
countries in the same latitudes. 

3. The soil of England is not naturally rich, yet the agri¬ 
culture is. superior to that of any other country in Europe. 
The chief products are wheat, barlev, oats-, hops, &c. 

4. In no part of the world, perhaps, is wealth more unequally dis¬ 
tributed than in England, and seldom do the cottages of the poor con¬ 
trast so strongly with the mansions of the rich. Costly and splendid 
buildings are spread over various parts of the kingdom, and many of 
the parks and country-seats of the nobility and gentry, display a 
princely magnificence. 

5. Though luxury and corruption exist to a considerable extent in 
certain portions of English society, the mass of the people is distin 
guished by sound morals. Benevolence may be considered a striking 
feature in the national character; and in no country are there so many 
associations for charitable, benevolent, and religious purposes. 

England. Q. — 1. What does England embrace ? What is said of 
the surface, &c. ? 2. Of the climate ? 3. Soil ? Products ? 4. What 

ts said of wealth ? 5. Luxury, &c ? Benevolence ? 6. Literary in. 


















236 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


6. The literary institutions, and learned men of this country, are 
highly distinguished ; and no language excels the English, in poetry, 
eloquence, philosophy, and science. Great exertions are made by 
various religious associations, to spread Christianity and civilization 
among the heathen; and numerous missionaries have been sent to 
various parts of the earth, for that purpose. 

7. No general provision has been devised for the education of the 
poor, but efforts are now making for that purpose. Many of the people 
are very ignorant, and numbers depend on Sunday-schools for instruc¬ 
tion. The higher seminaries of learning are numerous, and furnish 
great facilities for obtaining a superior education. 

8. The Episcopal is the established religion, and the sovereign is the 
supreme head of the church, which is governed by two archbishops 
and twenty-five bishops. The members of other churches are called 
dissenters: they comprise Methodists, Baptists, Presbyterians, &c., and 
with the Roman Catholics, constitute nearly one-half the population. 

9. This country is noted for its excellent roads and substantia] 
bridges. Canals are numerous, and, with the various well-constructed 
rail-roads, greatly facilitate the inland trade of the kingdom. The 
former are near 300 in number, and extend about 2800 miles in length. 
The most important rail-roads are those which connect London with 
Liverpool, Bristol, and Southampton, and Liverpool with Manchester. 
Projects for new rail-roads are numerous. 

- 161 - 

10. London, the capital of the British Empire, is on the 
river Thames, 45 miles from the sea. It is 7 miles in length, 
from 3 to in breadth, and covers a space of almost 25 
square miles. It is admirably situated for trade, and is the 
richest, most populous, and most commercial city in the 
world. 

11. It contains many public buildings, of which St. Paul’s Cathedral, 
the Tower, Westminster Abbey, and the Bank of England, are the chief 
The bridges of London are seven in number, all built of stone, except one, 
which is constructed of iron; one of these is a suspension bridge. The 
funnel under the Thames is one of the most remarkable works of the age 

12. London presents a striking contrast of wealth, intelligence, and 
morality, with ignorance, poverty, and vice. No city in the world has 
so great a number of learned societies, and literary and scientific estab¬ 
lishments ; and none can compare with it in its charities for the poor, 
the sick, and the ignorant. 

stitutions, &c. ? 7. Education ? Highest seminaries of learning, &c. ? 
8. Religion ? Dissenters ? 9. Roads, &c. ? Canals ? Rail-roads ? 

England. Q. — 10. Describe London. 11. What does it contain? 




ENGLAND. 


237 



New London Bridge. 


13. Five miles below London, on the Thames, is Greenwich, famous 
for its naval hospital for infirm seamen, and its observatory, from 
which longitude is reckoned. Above London is Chelsea, containing 
the great national asylum for invalid soldiers. Windsor, 22 miles 
from London, is celebrated for its castle, which has been the summer 
residence of the sovereigns of England for upwards of 700 years. 

14. Liverpool, on the river Mersey, near its mouth, is next to Lon¬ 
don in commerce. It is the principal seat of the trade with America. 
Bristol is the third commercial town in England. Hull is noted for 
its trade to the Baltic, and the whale fishery. Newcastle, Sunder¬ 
land, Whitby, and Whitehaven are largely engaged in the coal trade. 
Portsmouth, Plymouth, and Chatham are great naval stations. 

15. Manchester is the second place in England in population, and is 
famous for its extensive cotton manufactures; Leeds, Bradford, and 
Norwich, for woollen goods; Birmingham, for hardware; Sheffield, for 
cutlery ; Kidderminster, for carpets; Worcester, for porcelain; Coven 
try, for watches and ribbons; and Gloucester, for pins. 

16. Oxford and Cambridge are celebrated for their universities 
Eton and Winchester, for their colleges. Bath and Cheltenham are 
noted for mineral waters, and are visited by persons in quest of health 
or pleasure. Tunbridge, Scarborough, &c., are well-known watering 
places, and Brighton, Margate, &c., are much resorted lo for sea- 
bathing. Newmarket is noted for horse-races; and Burton for ale. 


12. What does London present? 13. Describe Greenwich. Chelsea. 
Windsor. 14. What is said of Liverpool, Bristol, &e. ? 15, Manches. 
ter, Leeds, &c. ? Sheffield, &c. 1 16 Oxford, Cambridge, &c. ? 17 • 



















DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


238 

17. Hastings is renowned for the victory gained by William the 
Conqueror. At Bosworth, Richard 3d was defeated and killed. The 
battles of North Allerton, Durham or St. Nevil’s Cross, Otterburn and 
Flodden Field, were fought between the English and Scots. At New 
bury, Edge Hill, Marston Moor, Naseby, and Worcester, important 
actions took place between the forces of Charles 1st and the parlia 
ment. At the three last, Cromwell gained decisive victories. 

18. The isles of Man, Wight, Thanet, Sheppey and the Norman 
islands, belong to England. The isle of Man was once a distinct 
kingdom ; the people are called Manxmen; their language is very simi¬ 
lar to that of the native Irish. The isle of Wight is the most fer¬ 
tile and beautiful of the smaller British isles. The Norman isles are 
Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, and Sark ; they have a mild climate and 
a fertile soil. Jersey is noted for cider. 



Menai Bridge. 
WALES. 


19. Wales is a mountainous and rugged region, situated 
westward of England. The soil is less fertile and cultivated 
than in that kingdom, but the products are the same. 

20. The manufactures are chiefly of flannel, in which the Welsh 
excel. Iron, lead, copper, and coal abound. Vast quantities of iron, 
chiefly for rail-roads, are imported into the United States from Wales. 

21. This country, previous to the year 1283, was governed by its 
own kings; but since that time it has been united to England, and the 
oldest son of the sovereign of England is styled Prince of Wales. 

22. The strait, which separates Wales from the island of Anglesea, 
is crossed by the Menai bridge, one of the most remarkable of the kind 
in the world : it consists of strong iron chains, which connect arches 
of masonry, 560 feet apart; thus forming a safe and useful structure. 

23. Merthyr Tydvil is the largest town in Wales. It is situated in 
the midst of numerous iron founderies and furnaces. Swansea is a 
noted resort for sea-bathing. Caermarthen, and Caernarvon, are both 
places of importance. The chief ornament of the latter is its castle 
once a stately edifice, but now in ruins. 

Hastings, Bosworth, &c.? 18. What islands belong to England? 

What is said of Man ? Wight ? Norman isles ? 19. What is said 

of Wales ? 20. Manufactures ? Minerals, &c. ? 21. When was 

Wales governed by its own kings, &c. ? 22. What is said of the 

Menai bridge, &c. ? 23. Merthyr Tydvil, Swansea, &c. ? 






ENGLAND-WALES. 


239 


- 162 - 

Map No. 18. — What bounds England on the north ? Sd. — South ? 
E.-Cl. — East ? N.-Sa. — West ? Ws., I.-Sa. — What strait separates it 
from France ? Dr. — What channel ? Eh. — What channel between 
England and Wales ? Bl. 

Map No. 19. — What rivers form part of the boundary between 
England and Scotland? Td., Ek.— What hills? Ct. — What firth 
separates the north-west and south-west parts of England and Scot 
land ? Sy. — The most southern extremity of England ? L.-Pt. — 
The most western ? L.-Ed. 

Which are the three chief rivers ? Hr., Ts., Sn. — Which two 
form the Humber ? Oe., Tt. — How long are each ? The Thames ? 
Severn? What rivers flow into the North Sea? The Wash? Eng¬ 
lish Channel ? Bristol Channel ? Sn. — How long is the latter ? 
What rivers flow into the Irish Sea ? 

What islands lie at the mouth of the Thames ? Sy., Tt. — In the 
English Channel? Wt. — In the Irish Sea? Mn. — In the Bristol 
Channel ? Ly. — Near Land’s End ? Sy. — These are dangerous to 
seamen, and vessels are often wrecked on them. For thq position of 
the Norman Isles ? What is the population of the Isle of Man ? I. of 
Wight? Norman Isles? Which is the chief lake in England ? We 
—How long is it ? (Mere, or ineer , signifies a lake.) The chief moun¬ 
tains ? Hn., Sw. — How high are they ? 

1. of Wight? Norman Isles? Which is the chief lake in Eng¬ 
land? We. — How long is it? (Mere, o» meer, signifies a lakeA 

The chief mountains ? Hn., Sw. — How high arc they ? 

What is the population of London ? Manchester ? Liverpool 1 Bir¬ 
mingham ? Leeds ? Bristol ? Plymouth ? Norwich ? Sheffield ? 
Hull ? Nottingham ? Portsmouth ? New Castle ? Sunderland * 
Bath ? Cambridge ? Oxford ? Worcester ? Shrewsbury ? Chester ? 

York ? Carlisle ? On what rivers are the towns printed in Italics 

situated ? In what years did the battles that are marked on the Map 
take place ? What light-house is near Plymouth Sound ? Ee. 

How far from England to Denmark? To Russia? To Holland? 
To the island of Jersey ? To Guernsey ? To Spain ? To Newfound- 
land ? To Cape Clear ? How wide is the Strait of Dover ? How 
long and wide is the Irish Sea ? 

What bounds Wales on the north ? I.-Sa. — South ? B.-Cl. — East ? 
Ed. — West? S.-G.-Cl. — What bay on the west coast? Cn. — On the 
south? S.-Bs., Cn.— What island lies north of Wales ? Aa. — What 
is its population? What strait separates it from Wales? Mi. 

What rivers are wholly in Wales? Cy., Dy., Tf., Ty.—What rivers 
rise in Wales, but flow into England ? De., Sn., Te., We. — What are 
the three chief mountains in Wales? Sn., C.-Is., Pn. — How high aie 
the two first? How many miles is it from St. David’s Head to Cam- 
sore Point? What is the population of Merthyr Tydvil ? Swansea ? 
Caermarthen ? Mold ? Holywell ? Caernarvon ? Holyhead ? 




uo 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


-163- 

SCOTLAND. 

1. Scotland lies northward of England, and is divided by 
the Grampian hills into the Highlands and Lowlands. If 
contains the highest hills and largest lakes in Great Britain. 

2. The Highlands, the northern part of Scotland, is a cold, 
hilly region, better adapted to raising cattle than farming. 
The Lowlands, the southern part, is a more level country, 
with a moderately fertile soil, which produces oats, barley, 
wheat, rye, flax, and potatoes. 

3. The manufactures are important, especially those of 
cotton, woollen, and linen. Coal and iron are abundant, and 
lead and copper are also found. The commerce and fisheries 
are valuable: the herring fishery employs many vessels and 
men. There are several canals and rail-roads in Scotland. 

4 The Scotch are a serious and reflecting, as well as an enter¬ 
prising people. They are one of the best educated, and most moral 
and religious nations in Europe. Many Scotchmen have distinguished 
themselves in literature, and some have been amongst the most cele 
brated philosophers, historians, and poets of Great Britain. 

5. The Highlanders were originally a different people from the Low 
landers. Some still wear the ancient dress, and speak the Gaelic 
language. The Presbyterian is the established church : a division has 
lately taken place, one half of the preachers having seceded, and formed 
the “ Free Church of Scotland,” in which the ministers are elected by 
their hearers. 

6. The Hebrides, Orkney, and Shetland Islands, are the resort of 
vast numbers of sea-fowl, which the islanders catch by descending 
with ropes, from the high cliffs to which the birds resort. 

7. Edinburgh, the metropolis of Scotland, lies near the Firth of Forth, 
and 396 miles N. by W. of London: it has long been noted for its 
science and learning: the university is distinguished, and has many 
students. The city has but few manufactures. Leith,* its sea-port, was 
formerly 2 miles distant, but is now joined to it by continuous ranges 
of buildings. Edinburgh Castle is conspicuous in Scottish history. 

8. Glasgow, the largest city in Scotland, is on the. river Clyde, 28 
miles from its mouth: it owes its prosperity to the cotton manufac¬ 
ture. The university is celebrated, and the cathedral is the best-pre¬ 
served specimen of Gothic architecture in Scotland. 

Scotland. Q.—1. What is said of Scotland ? What does it contain ? 

2. Describe the Highlands. Lowlands. What is said of manufac¬ 
tures ? Coal, «fec. ? Commerce, & c. ? Canals, &c. ? 4. The Scotch ? 

Scotchmen ? 5. Describe the Highlanders. What is said of religion ? 

The free church ? 6. The Hebrides, &c. ? 7 Describe Edinburgh. 

3. Glasgow. 


* Leith , Lectli 







SCOTLAND. 


241 



Edinburgn. 


9. Paisley is noted for fine cotton fabrics, Perth and Dunfermline 
for cotton and linen manufactures, Kilmarnock for carpets, and Car- 
ron, near Falkirk, for its iron-works. Greenock, Leith, Dundee, 
Montrose and Aberdeen are the principal sea-ports. 

10. Stirling is celebrated for its castle, Melrose and Kelso for their 
ancient abbeys, Ayr as the scene of some of the exploits of Bruce and 
Wallace, and Gretna Green for the marriage of fugitive lovers from 
England. Inverness is considered the capital of the Highlands. 

11. Bannockburn is famed for the decisive victory gained by king 
Robert Bruce over Edward II. of England, and Dunbar for that by 
Cromwell over the Covenanters. At Preston Pans and Falkirk, Prince 
Charles, the son of the Pretender, routed the royal forces, and at Cul- 
loden Moor his army was totally defeated. 

-164- 

Map No. 19. — What bounds Scotland on the north and west? 
A.-On. — East? N.-Sa. — South? Ed., I.-Sa.—What separates it 
from Ireland ? N.-Cl. — How wide is it ? The most northern part 
of Scotland ? D.-Hd. — Southern ? M.-Gy. — Eastern ? B.-Ns. — 
Western? A.-Pt. 

Firth or Frith is used in Scotland for Bay and Strait. Where is 
Dornoch Firth ? Cromarty F. ? Murray F. ? F. of Tay ? F. of 
Forth? Solway F. ? F. of Clyde? Wigton Bay? Glenluce B. ? 
Sound of Jura? The Minch? Little Minch? 

Where is Cape Wrath ? Dunnet Head ? Duncansby II. ? Ken 
naird’s II. ? Tarbet Ness ? Buchan N. ? Mull of Galloway ? M. of 
Cantire? Ardnamurchan Point? (Ness and Mull are the same as 
Cape, Head, or Point.) 

What islands lie west of Scotland? Hs. or W.-Is.—What islands 


9. Paisley, Perth, Greenock, &c 10. Wha£ is said of Stirling, &c. 
11 Bannockburn, Dunbar, &c. ? 

nr 






DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


242 

north ? Oy. —What Firth separates them ? Pd. — How wide is it ? 
What islands lie north-east from the Orkneys? Sd.—What is the 
population of the Shetland Is. ? Orkney Is. ? Hebrides ? Which is 
the chief town of the Hebrides ? Sy. — Orkneys ? Kl. — Shetland 
Is.? Lk. 

Where is Staffa ? Iona ? Staffa contains the magnificent natural 
curiosity called Fingal’s Cave. Iona was anciently celebrated for its 
religious institutions, schools, and learned men. 

Lakes and inlets are called Lochs in Scotland. Where is Loch 
Shin? L. Mare? L. Ness? L. Rannoch? L. Tay? L. Lomond? 
L. Lcven ? On an island in the latter are the ruins of the castle in 
which the celebrated Mary, Queen of Scots, was imprisoned. How 
long is L. Ness? L. Lomond ? Where is L. Assynt? L. Broom? 
L. Sunart ? L. Linnhe ? L. Awe ? L. Fine ? 

What rivers flow into Murray Firth ? Sy., Dn. — The North Sea ? 
Yn., Dn., De., N.-Ek., S.-Ek.,Td. —The F. of Tay ? Ty., En. —The 
F. of Forth ? Fh. — Solway F. ? Ek., Nh., De. — The F. of Clyde ? 
Dn., Ar., Ce. —Where is the Caledonian Canal ? This work connects 
Murray Firth and L. Linnhe. The Firths of Clyde and Forth are 
united by the Forth and Clyde Canal. On what rivers are the chief 
cities ? 

Where are the Grampian Hills ? Cheviot Hills ? Ben Nevis ? Cairn¬ 
gorm Mt.? Ben Lawers? How high are the three last? Ben Nevis 
is the highest mountain in Great Britain. (Ben signifies Mountain.) 

What is the population of Glasgow ? Edinburgh ? Aberdeen ? 
Paisley ? Dundee ? Leith ? Greenock ? Kilmarnock ? Dunferm¬ 
line ? Where is John o’Groat’s House ? This was long ago noted as 
the most northerly dwelling in Scotland : it is now in ruins. 

How far from the Clyde to the West Indies? Scotland to Labra¬ 
dor? To Iceland? From the Faroe to the Orkney Is.? From 
Greenland iu the Shetland Is. ? To the Faroe Is. from Shetland 7 
To Norway ? From Scotland to Norway ? To Sweden ? 

-165- 

IRELAND. 

1. Ireland is a fine fertile island, lying west of Great 
Britain. The climate is mild and moist, which produces a 
beautiful and continued verdure, and has led to its poetical 
appellations of the Emerald Isle, and Green Erin. 

2. The surface of the country is moderately uneven, with 
few mountains. There are many peat bogs, which supply 
fuel, but are useless for other purposes. 

3. Agriculture is in a less improved state than in England 


Ireland. Q.—1. What is Ireland? What is said of the climate? 
2. The surface, &c.? 3. Agriculture? Chief products ? 4. Grazing 





IRELAND. 


243 


or Scotland. Barley, oats, wheat, and flax, are extensively 
cultivated; but potatoes are the chief product, and form the 
principal food of the poor. 

4. Grazing, and the dairy, are the best-managed parts of Irish hus¬ 
bandry, and produce the best beef and butter in Europe. Linen is 
the staple manufacture, and forms, with the products of the soil, the 
chief exports of the country. 

5. The people of Ireland are generous, quick-witted, and hospitable, 
but are easily offended, and prone to resentment. The Episcopal is 
the established religion, yet four-fiflhs of the inhabitants are Catholics: 
about half of the remainder are Presbyterians. Many are ignorant 
of the English tongue, and use the Irish only, a language similar to 
that spoken by the Scotch Highlanders. 

6. The peasantry live mostly in a state of abject poverty and 
wretchedness. They are oppressed by the agents of their landlords; 
most of the latter are absentees, spending abroad the money wrung 
from their wretched tenantry. The titlies, exacted for the support of 
the established church, and the taxes, help to impoverish the people. 
Beggars are numerous, and, notwithstanding the natural fertility of 
Ireland, many of the poor have perished with hunger. 

7. The Giant’s Causeway is situated on the north coast of the island, 
and is an astonishing work of nature. It consists of vast numbers of 
perpendicular columns of basaltic rock, from 200 to 400 feet high. 

8. Dublin is the chief city of Ireland: it stands on both sides and 
at the mouth of the river LifFey. Its public edifices are numerous and 

beautiful. Among 
the latter, St. Pa¬ 
trick’s Cathedral, the 
Bank of Ireland, the 
Exchange, and the 
Four Courts, are con¬ 
spicuous. The chief 
part of the suburbs, 
and some streets in 
the city, are the 
abodes of thousands 
who live in wretch- 
Four Courts, Dublin. edness and distress : 

indeed, few places exhibit a greater contrast between wealth and 
poverty. Dublin is connected with the Shannon river by the Royal 
and Grand Canals ; and with Kingston by an atmospheric railway 
the first work of the kind yet finished. 

9. Cork is noted for its trade in salted provisions. Its harbour, 
called the Cove, is capacious and strongly fortified. Limerick is 



&.c.? Linen? 5. Describe the people. Religion. 6. What is said 
of the peasantry? Beggars ? 7. Describe the Giant’s Causeway. 8. 







DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


244 

famous for the sieges it has sustained. Belfast is the emporium of the 
,’inen trade; it is the most flourishing town in Ireland. Kilkenny is 
noted for its beautiful white and black marble. Killarney is much 
resorted to by those who visit the adjacent lake. Maynooth is the seat 
of a noted Catholic college. 

10. Waterford has an extensive intercourse with England and 
Wales. Galway, Sligo, Drogheda, Dundalk, Newry, and London¬ 
derry, are all considerable sea-port towns. The last is celebrated for 
its siege by the forces of James II., in 1690-1. Near Drogheda on 
the river Boyne William III., and at Aghrim General Ginkell, defeated 
the army of James II. 

-166-- 

Map No. 19. —What bounds Ireland on the north, south, and west ? 
A.-On. — On the east? I.-Sa.—What separates it from England? 
I.-Sa. — How long and wide is the Irish Sea? From Scotland? N.-CL 
— How wide is it? From Wales? S. G.-Cl. — How wide is it? 
Which is the most northern part of Ireland ? M.-Hd. — Most south¬ 
ern ? M.-Hd. — Most western ? C.-Sl. — Where is Rathlin I. ? 
Tory I.? North Isles of Arran ? Achil I. ? Clare I. ? Enisture I.? 
South Isles of Arran ? Blasket I. ? Valentia I. ? C. Clear I. ? 

Where is Carlingford Bay ? Dundalk B. ? Dublin B. ? Bantry B. ? 
Kenmare B. ? Dingle B. ? Galway B. ? Killala B. ? Donegal B. ? 
Wexford Harbour ? Waterford H. ? Cork H. ? Malin Head ? Fair 
H.? Kinsale II. ? MizenH.? LoopH.? UrrisH.? TeillenH.? 

Where is Lough Swilly ? (The term Lough is used in Ireland for 
lakes and inlets of the sea.) Where is Lough Foyle ? Belfast L. ? 
L. Strangford ? L. Neagh ? L. Earne ? L. Allen ? L. Ree ? L. 
Deirgart ? Of what river do the three last named loughs form a part ? 
Sn. —Where is L. Mask ? L. Corrib ? Lake of Killarney ? This 
lake is celebrated for the beauty and grandeur of its scenery. How 
long is Lough Neagh ? This is the largest lake in Ireland. 

Where is the Bann river ? Foyle ? Boyne ? Liffey ? Avoca, or 
Ovoca ? Slaney ? Barrow ? Suire ? Blackwater ? Lee ? Shannon ? 
How long is the Shannon ? What river flows into L. Neagh ? Br.— 
Where is the Ghurane Tuel Mt. ? How high is it ? This is the highest 
mountain in Ireland. When w T ere the battles of Aghrim and the Boyne 
fought ? On what river is Dublin ? The other principal cities ? 

What is the population of Dublin ? Cork ? Belfast ? Limerick ? 
Waterford? What towns have from 10,000 to 19,000? Ah., Ly., 
Ny., Dk., Bn., Ae., So., Cl., Da., Gy., Ky.— How far from Ireland to 
Iceland ? To Labrador ? To Spain ? From Cape Clear to Land’s End ? 

In what part of Ireland is Ulster? Leinster? Munster? Con¬ 
naught ? (These are provinces which are subdivided into counties; 
they were in ancient times independent kingdoms.) 


Dublin. 9. Cork, Limerick, Belfast, fee. 10. What is said of Water¬ 
ford, Galway, &c. t Londonderry ? Drogheda? 





FRANCE. 


245 


167 



Making Wine. Gathering Grapes. 

FRANCE. 


1. France is a great and powerful kingdom, and has for 
ages been distinguished for the important part it has enacted 
in the affairs of Europe. 

2. The country is beautiful and fertile, and the climate 
temperate and salubrious. The surface is mostly an extended 
plain, a large portion of which is well adapted to cultivation. 

3. Agriculture is more advanced than in many other parts 
of Europe. Tne manufactures are various; and the com¬ 
merce, though not so extensive as that of Great Britain or the 
United States, is carried on with almost all parts of the globe. 
Rail-roads are exciting much attention in France. 

4. The chief products are wheat, Indian-corn, grapes, olives, and 
the sugar-beet. From the latter 22 million pounds of sugar are made 
annually. The vineyards of France yield 250 different kinds of wine, 
they occupy near 5 million acres, and their annual produce is about 
850 million gallons. Claret, Burgundy, and Champagne are the prin¬ 
cipal wines. Silk and wool are important products. 

5. The French are brave, active, and ingenious—polite in their 
manners, and fond of show and amusement. Their learned men 
excel in the belles-lettres, mathematics, astronomy, and chemistry. 

France. Q. —1. What is France? 2. What is said of the country? 
3. Of agriculture, &c.? 4. Products? Vineyards? 5. Of the 







DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY, 


246 

The mass of the people are, however, but indifferently educated, not 
more than half being able to read and write. 

6. Colleges, schools, and public libraries are numerous, and the city 
of Paris contains the most celebrated scientific association in the 
world. There is no established religion in France, but the people are 
chiefly Catholics. Ministers or all sects are paid by government. 

7. The French language is the most refined, and the best adapted 
to conversation of any in Europe, and is much used in polite society. 
The upper classes in France excel in dancing, fencing, and other 
graceful accomplishments; and the women take an active share in 
all the affairs of life. 

8. The government of France is the most limited monarchy in Eu¬ 
rope. The legislative power belongs to the sovereign, jointly, with the 
two great national assemblies : the chamber of Peers, nominated for 
life by the king, and the chamber of Deputies, chosen by the electors. 

9. France has long been a great military power. Under the Empe 
ror Napoleon the army was the most formidable in Europe, and com- 
prised 800,000 men. It has now 344,000. The navy consists of 342 
vessels, 46 are ships of the line, and 74 are steamers. 

10. The principal colonies are Algeria, Senegal, and Isle Bourbon, 
in Africa; Guadaloupe, Martinique, &.c., in the West Indies; Cayenne, 
in Guiana, and Pondicherry, in Asia. The colonial population is 
2,063,000, which, added to that of France, amounts to 36,263,000. 

- 168 - 

11. Paris, the capital of France, is on the river Seine, 112 
wiles from its mouth. It is the second city in Europe for 
size, and the first in splendour. The public buildings and 
palaces are numerous, and, generally, excel those of London. 

12. This city is also noted for the beauty of its public gardens, 
fountains, and monuments, and for the value of its libraries and lite¬ 
rary institutions. It is especially distinguished for the gaiety of its 
inhabitants, and the variety of its public amusements. 

13. Lyons is on the river Rhone, at its junction with the Saone. It 
has long been noted for its silk manufactures. Marseilles is the prin. 
cipal sea-port in the Mediterranean. Bordeaux is well known for its 
wines; Rouen for its manufactures of cotion, woollen, and linen; and 
Strasburg for its cathedral, the steeple of which is 465 feet high. 

14. Rheims, Lille, Nantes, and Orleans, are important towns. Ton 
Ion is the chief naval station on the Mediterranean; and Brest, on the 

French ? Learned men ? Mass of the people ? 6. Colleges, &c. ? 

Religion? 7. The French language? The upper classes? The 
women ? 8. The Government, &c. ? 9. Army and navy 1 10. Prin¬ 

cipal colonies ? 

11. Describe Paris. 12. For what is it noted? 13. Lyons, &c.? 





PRANCE, 


247 


Atlantic, is the principal naval depot of the kingdom. Plavre de 
Grace, or Havre at the mouth of the Seine, is the sea-port of Paris, 
and the chief seat of the trade of France with the United States. 

15. Tours is noted for the great victory gained by Charles Martel 
over the Saracens, more than 1100 years ago. During the middle 
ages, important battles took place at Crecy, Poitiers, and Agincourt, 
between the English and the French; also, in recent times, at Orthez 
and Toulouse, in the south of France. 

16. Bayonne is noted for its fisheries, and the invention of bayonets 
Versailles for its magnificent palace and gardens; Amiens for a treaty 
of peace ; Orleans for the exploits of Joan of Arc; Avignon for having 
been the residence of the popes; Montpellier for its salubrious air; 
Nismes fer its Roman amphitheatre, and Rochefort for its fine arsenal. 

17. The island of Corsica, in the Mediterranean sea, is a depart¬ 
ment of France. Its surface is mountainous, and its soil stony and 
ill cultivated. It has some iron-mines and fisheries. Bastia is the chief 
town. Ajaccio (A-jat'-sho) is the birth-place of Napoleon Bonaparte. 

Map No. 21. —What bounds France on the north? E.-Cl., Bin.— 
South? Sn., M.-Sa. —East? Bn., Sd., Sa.—West? B.-By.—What 
river flows into the English channel ? Se. — B. of Biscay ? Le., Ge. 
— G. of Lyons ? Re. — How long is each river ? What river forms 
the boundary between France and Baden? Re.—What lake does 
the Rhone flow from ? Ga.—What Mts. separate France from Spain ? 
Ps. — From Sardinia ? Fr., As. — From Switzerland ? Ja. —What 
Mts. between the Rhone and the Loire? Cs.—West of the Loire 7 
Ae. —West of the Rhine ? Vs. —W nat islands on the coast of France. 
Which belong to Great Britain? What is the population of Paris? 
Marseilles ? Lyons ? Bordeaux ? Rouen ? Nantes ? Lille ? Tou¬ 
louse 1 Strasburg ? Orleans ? Toulon ? What island in the Mediter¬ 
ranean belongs to France ? Ca. —How long and wide is it ? How 
many inhabitants has Bastia ? Ajaccio ? On what river is Bor¬ 
deaux ? Rouen ? Nantes ? Tours ? Orleans ? Toulouse ? Stras¬ 
burg ? Point out Tours, and other noted battle-fields. 


French geographical names , with their pronunciation. 


Cherbourg, Sher'-burg 
Cognac, Kone-yac' 

Crecy, Cressy 
Dieppe, De-ep' 

Foix, Fwa 

Fontainbleau, Fon-ten-blo' 
Franche Comte, Fraush Con-ta' 
Garonne, Gar-on' 

Gironde, Je-rond 
Havre, Hav’r 
Lille, Leel 
Limoges, Le-mozh' 

Loire, Lwar 
L’Orient, Lor'-e-ong 
Marsailles, Mar-sales' 

Metz, Mase 

Moutauban, Mon-to-ban 


Nantes, Nants 
Narbonne, Nar-boo' 

Nismes, Neem 
Orthez, Or-ta' 

Poitiers or Poictiers, Poy-tears 
Rennes, Ren 
Rheims, Remz 
Rochefort, Rosh-fop 
Rochelle, Ro-shel' 

Rouen, Ru'-ang 
Saone, Sone 
Seine, Sane 
Toulon, Too'-long 
Toulouse, Too loos' 
Valenciennes, Val-an-se-an 
Versailles, Ver-sales' 

Vosges, Vozh 


Amiens, A-me-an' 
Angouleme, An-goo-lame' 
Artois, Ar-twa' 

Auch, Osh 
Auvergne, O-vern' 
Auxerre, O-sair' 

Avignon, Av-een-yon' 
Bayonne, Bay-on' 
Besancon, Be-san-son' 
Bordeaux, Bor-do' 
Boulogne, Bo-lone' 

Caen, Kan 
Calais, Kal'-is 
Cevennes, Sa-ven' 
Chalons, Sba-lon' 
Champagne, Sham-pane' 
Chaumont, Shaw-mo' 


14. Rheims. Lille, &c. 15. Tours, Crecy, &c. 16. Bayonne, an£ 
the other towns. 17. Corsica. What is said of its surface, &c. 







248 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


169 



Madrid. 


SPAIN. 

1. Spain was once the most powerful of European king 
doms, but it is now one of the most feeble. Including Por* 
tugal, it comprises that part of western Europe often called, 
by way of distinction, the “ Peninsula.” 

2. The interior is traversed by the Sierra Nevada, and 
other mountain ranges, which cause the surface to be greatly 
diversified. Much of the soil is fertile, but agriculture is 
neglected; and the commerce and manufactures have greatly 
declined. 

3. The exports are Sherry, Malaga, and other wines, raisins, al¬ 
monds, wool, silk, &c.; the imports are chiefly British manufactures, 
and colonial produce. Merino sheep are numerous, and the fineness 
of their wool is well known; they are said to amount to 14 millions. 

4. The Spanish government, once the most absolute in Europe, b 
now limited. The constitution of 1837 guaranties the liberty of tht 
press, and other essential principles of freedom. The Catholic is tilt 
national religion; and the maintenance of its ministers is provided fa 
by law. There are several universities in Spain; but the modes of 
instruction are unsuited to the present times. Education is not gene 
ral; and but few of the lower class learn to read and write. 

5. Gravity of manner, with great pride of birth and rank, distin- 
guish the higher class of Spaniards; but the lower orders are cheerful, 


Spain. Q.—1. What was Spain, &c.? What does it comprise? 
2. What is said of the interior ? Soil ? Commerce, &c. ? 3. The 

exports ? Imports ? Merino sheep ? 4. Of the government ? Reli¬ 
gion ? Universities, &c. ? 5. What is said of the higher class? 

Lower orders ? Amusements ? 6. What did this country formerly 








SPAIN. 


£49 

frugal, and courteous. The favourite amusements are music, dancing, 
and bull-fights : the latter are attended by thousands of all ranks. 

6. Spain once possessed vast territories in America; of which, Cuba 
and Porto Rico alone remain. The other colonies are the Canary Isl¬ 
ands in the Atlantic Ocean, and the Philippine, Caroline, and Ladrone 
Islands, in the Pacific. The colonial population is about 4,200,000 

7. Madrid, the capital of Spain, is on the Manzanares, a small branch 
of the Tagus. It contains a number of churches and convents, besides 
several splendid palaces. It is a handsome but gloomy city. Bar¬ 
celona and Cadiz are the chief sea-ports: the latter is on the isle of 
Leon. It is strongly fortified, and is one of the oldest towns in Eufope. 

8. Granada, Seville, and Cordova, were once Moorish capitals, 
Malaga and Alicant export wines and fruits, Bilboa wool, and San¬ 
tander grain and Hour. Valencia is noted for silks, Toledo for sword- 
blades, Salamanca for its university, Almaden for its rich silver-mines, 
and Palos as the port whence Columbus sailed on his first voyage to 
America. Ferrol is the chief station of the Spanish navy. 

9. Saragossa, Badajoz, Pampeluna, St. Sebastian, and Cadiz, are 
famous for their sieges; and Talavera, Salamanca, Burgos, and Vit- 
toria, for battles fought between the French and English. Off Capes 
St. Vincent and Trafalgar great naval victories were gained by the 
British; at the last, the renowned admiral Lord Nelson was killed. 

10. Gibraltar, at the southern extremity of Spain, is the strongest 
fortified town in the world ; it is often called the ‘ Rock.’ This place 
was captured by the British in 1704, who have held it ever since. 

11. The Balearic Isles are Majorca, Minorca, Ivica, and some 
others: they are inhabited by a hardy, industrious people. Port 
Mahon, in Minorca, is often resorted to by United States’ ships of war, 

12. Andorra. —This little republic, with a territory of 190 square 
miles, and 8,000 inhabitants, lies on the south side of the Pyrenees. 
Besides Andorra, the capital, it contains rive small villages. 


Map No. 21.—What bounds Spain on the north? Fe., B.-By.— 
South ? M.-Sa., A.-On. — East ? M.-Sa. —West ? PI. —Which are 

the chief rivers of Spain ? Do., Ts., Ga., Gr., Eo. — How long are 
each of these? Which are the chief Mts. ? Ps., Cn., S.-Ma. 
S.-Na. — How high are they ? Which separate France from Spain ? 
Ps. —What Mt. lies west of Barcelona ? Mt. — This is noted for its 
singular form, and the monasteries built on it. What islands lie eas 
uf Spain ? Be. —What strait separates Spain from Africa ? Gr. — 
How wide is it ? What is the population of Madrid ? Barcelona ? 
Seville 7 Granada? Valencia? Cordova? Cadiz? Malaga? Sara¬ 
gossa ? Point out the places noted for sieges. Battles. Naval battles. 

possess ? What is said of the colonies ? 7. Describe Madrid, 

Barcelona, &c. 8. Granada, &c. 9. Saragossa, &-c. Tafavera, Ac 

y Gibraltar. IL Balearic isles 12. Andorra. 

2 G 




250 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


170 



PORTUGAL. 

1. This kingdom, like Spain, has declined from its former 
greatness. Three centuries ago, it was celebrated for the 
valour of its soldiers, and the skill of its sailors. It took a 
distinguished lead in maritime discoveries, and was for a time 
the first commercial nation in Europe. 

2. The surface of the country is much diversified. The 
climate is mild and healthful; and the soil is rich in the 
fruits and products of southern Europe. Port and Lisbon 
wine, salt, oil, and wool, are the chief staples. 

3. The commerce of Portugal was once very extensive, 
but is now quite limited. The manufactures are small in 
amount; and an imperfect knowledge of the commonest arts 
is observable. 

4. The agriculture is in a backward state ; and few of the improve¬ 
ments common elsewhere are known here. Much of the produce 
of the soil is carried to market on the heads of female peasants. 

5. The Catholic is the established religion. The government was 
formerly an absolute monarchy, but it is now limited; a new constitu¬ 
tion having been adopted in 1838. Literature and science are but 
tittle encouraged, and the education of the people is greatly neglected. 

6. The Portuguese and Spaniards are very similar in character and 
manners; yet a strong dislike exists between the two nations. The pea 
santry of this country have been usually represented as indolent, coward- 
'y, and revengeful; but on many occasions, during the last war with 
France, they displayed qualities not unworthy their gallant ancestors. 

7. Brazil, the most important colony of Portugal, became independ¬ 
ent in the year 1821. The remaining colonies comprise the Azores, 
Madeira, and Cape Verd islands in Africa; besides Congo, &c., the 
towns of Goa and Macao, in Asia, and part of the island of Timor 
in Malaysia. The population of the whole is about 1,632,000. 

Portugal. Q. — 1. What is said of Portugal? 2. The surface? 
Climate ? Chief staples ? 3. What is said of commerce ? Manufac- 
tn, es ? 4. The agriculture ? 5. Religion ? Government ? Litera¬ 
ti. % &c ? 6. The Portuguese ? 7. What is said of the colonics ? 





PORTUGAL-GERMANY. 


251 

8. Lisbon, the capital, is a place of considerable commerce, and has 
one ot the finest harbours in the world. It was nearly destroyed by 
an earthquake in 1755, and 30,000 of the inhabitants perished. It is 
ill-built and dirty, but contains some fine public buildings and squares. 
There are many negroes and mulattoes; dogs are very numerous. 

9. Oporto, the second city in the kingdom, has long been famous for 
its port-wine. St. Ubes is noted for its salt-works, at which 100,000 
tons of salt are made yearly. Coimbra is celebrated for its university 

hich contains 40 professors, and about 1900 students. 

' 10. Ourique is noted for the defeat of five Moorish kings by Al- 
phonso I. of Portugal, 700 years ago. At Vimeira, Lord Wellington 
obtained his first victory in the Peninsular war; and at Busaco, he 
repulsed the French marshal, Massena, with an inferior force. 

Map No. 21.—What bounds Portugal on the north and east? Sn. 
—West and south? A.-On.—Which are the principal rivers? Ts., 
Do., Ga. — How long is each of these ? On what river is Lisbon ? 
Ts.—Oporto? Do. — Coimbra? Mo.—Which are the principal 
mountains ? What is the population of Lisbon? Oporto? Coimbra? 
St.Ubes? Braga? Elvas? Evora? Where is Ourique? Vimeira? 
Busaco ? 

-171- 

GERMANY. 

1. Germany is an extensive country, in the centre of 
Europe; and once contained 300 separate states. It now 
comprises the Empire of Austria, the kingdoms of Prussia, 
Bavaria, Saxony, Hanover, and Wirtemberg, with 29 smaller 
states and 4 republics or free cities. 

2. These form the Union called the “ Germanic Confede¬ 
ration the object of which is to provide for mutual safety 
and defence. Each state is independent within itself, but for 
general purposes the whole is governed by the Diet, a body 
composed of plenipotentiaries from the different states. 

3. This region is traversed by numerous rivers and exten¬ 
sive ranges of mountains. Agriculture is carried on with 
diligence, and mining is one of the chief sources of wealth 
The inland trade is considerable, and the manufactures are 

8. Describe Lisbon. 9. Oporto, St. Ubes, &c. 10. What occurred at 

Ourique ? Vimeira ? Busaco ? 

Germany. Q. — 1. What did it once contain ? What does it com¬ 
prise ? 2. What do these form ? What is said of each state ? Of 

the Diet ? 3, By what is this region traversed ? What is said o f 






252 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY, 



Brown European Bear. 


The Wolf. 


important and various. Rail-roads are in progress of con¬ 
struction through all parts of Germany. 

4. Germany is well supplied with cattle, horses, hogs, and sheep: 
of the latter, those of Saxony are particularly noted for the fineness 
of their wool. The bear, wolf, and wild boar, are less common than 
formerly, but are still found in the remote districts. 

5. The Germans are an industrious and persevering people: 
by them printing, watches, and gunpowder were invented; 
they are fond of music, and their learned men are distin¬ 
guished for their attainments in literature and science. 

6. The public libraries of this country are 150 in number, with 5 
million volumes; and there are not less than 10,000 authors, producing 
every year from 4,000 to 5,000 books. The universities are celebrated, 
and much resorted to from other countries. Seminaries, styled gym- 
nasia, are numerous, many of which rank as noted schools of learning. 

7. In the means of education, the north of Germany surpasses the 
south. In Prussia, Saxony, Bavaria, and some of the smaller divisions 
of the north, schools are numerous, and there are very few persons 
who cannot read; while in other parts of the country the lower classes 
are still ignorant, and averse to improvement. 

8. In religion, Germany is divided between the Catholic and Pro- 
festant churches: the former includes the majority of the people, 
numbering 21 millions, while the Protestants amount to 18 millions: 
the latter, comprising Lutherans and Calvinists chiefly, have united 
in many places into one body, under the name uf the Evangelical 
Church. There are also some Moravians, Mennonists, Jews, &c. 


agriculture ? Mining ? Trade ? Manufactures ? 4. What is Ger¬ 
many well supplied with ? What is said of sheep ? The bear, &c. 7 
5. Describe the Germans. What did they invent ? What is said of 
music? Learned men? 6. The public libraries, &c.? Authors? 
Universities ? Seminaries, &c. ? 7. Of education ? 8. Religion 1 

Catholics ? Protestants ? Lutherans, Calvinists, &c. ? 



EMPIRE OF AUSTRIA- 


253 


-172- 

EMPIRE OF AUSTRIA. 

1. Austria is one of the most important states in Europe: 
it comprises about one-third of Germany, with Hungary. 
Galicia, Dalmatia, and the kingdom of Lombardy and Venice. 

2. The inhabitants are mostly Catholics; but there are some 
Protestants, as well as members of the Greek church; all 
sects being tolerated. The liberty of the press, and the free¬ 
dom of debate, are, however, much restricted. 

3. Austria has but a small extent of sea-coast, and *a 
limited commerce. It has no colonies ; but the Duchies of 
Tuscany, Parma, and Modena, in Italy, are dependent states. 
Gold, copper, iron, mercury, and salt, abound; the mines of 
Wielicza in Galicia have been worked for 600 years, and 
still furnish salt. Grain and wine are the chief products. 

4. The Emperor of Austria is absolute in all parts of his dominions, 
except in Hungary and some other districts. In the former he is 
styled king only, and his authority is limited by a diet or assembly 
of the nobles and clergy. The inhabitants belong to several distinct 
nations, comprising Germans, Poles, Italians, Hungarians, Jews, and 
Gypsies. Seventeen different languages are spoken in this Empire. 

5. The Austrian army amounts to upwards of 270,000 men, and is 
thought to be more efficient than formerly. The-Empire possesses 
few advantages for a navy; yet a force of about 30 vessels, 8 of which 
are ships of the line, has been organized on the Gulf of Venice. 

6. Vienna, the capital of the Austrian Empire, is one of the finest 
cities in Europe. It contains a number of palaces, churches, and 
other public buildings, some of which are splendid structures. The 
citizens are described as a good-natured, hospitable people, much 
devoted to pleasure and luxurious living. 

7. Some of the dwelling-houses in Vienna are immense structures 
and are occupied by a number of different families. No city in Eu 
rope has so many resident nobility, and none, except London, so many 
wealthy citizens. It is on the Danube, 1100 miles from its mouth. 

8. Prague, Gratz, Presburg, and Lemburg, are all places of note. 
Puda and Pest, situated on opposite sides of the Danube, are joined 
together by a bridge of boats. These towns united, form the largest 

Austria. Q. — 1. What is Austria? What does it comprise? 
2. What is said of the inhabitants ? 3. The sea-coast and com¬ 

merce ? Of gold, &c. ? 4. The Emperor ? The inhabitants ? Lan¬ 
guages? 5. What is said of the army? Navy? 6. Describe Vienna. 
7. What is said of its dwelling-houses, &c. ? 8. Prague, &c. ? Trieste ? 





254 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


city in Hungary. Debretzin is also an important town. Trieste is 
the chief sea-port of Austria, and a considerable trade is carried on 
between this place, the United States, and other countries. 

9. Brunn, Lintz, Salzburg, and Steyer, are manufacturing towns. 
Hallein and Halle are noted for their salt works, and Idria for its 
mines of quicksilver. Marienbad, Carlsbad, Toplitz, and Sedlitz, are 
much visited for their baths and mineral waters. At Olrputz, General 
Lafayette was imprisoned for a considerable time. 

10. Sor, Lowositz, Reichenberg, Kolin, &c., are famous for important 
battles fought between the Austrians and Prussians. At Austerlitz 
and Wagram, Napoleon Bonaparte gained decisive victories, and at 
Aspern he was repulsed by the Archduke Charles. 


-173 



Berlin. 


PRUSSIA. 

1 . Prussia, formerly a dukedom, was erected into a king¬ 
dom in the year 1701, and from a small and weak state has 
become one of the most powerful in Europe. 

2. It is in general a level country, with numerous rivers, 

lakes, and marshes. In some parts the soil is fertile, while 
n others there are large tracts unfit for cultivation. Grain 
and cattle are the chief productions. . 

3. Prussia has but little foreign commerce, but the inland 
trade is considerable. The manufactures are principally 
linens, woollens, and articles of iron and steel. The chief 
part of the people are of the Protestant faith, and belong to 

9. What is said of Brunn, &c.? Hallein, &c.? Marienbad, &c. ? 
Olmutz ? 10. Sor, &c. ? Austerlitz, &c. ? 

Prussia. Q .— 1. What is said of Prussia? 2. The country? Its 
productions? 3, Commerce? Manufactures? What are the chief 










PRUSSIA-BAVARIA, &C. 255 

the Evangelical or Lutheran Calvinistic Church; but all 
other sects are tolerated, and are on an equal footing. 

4. The government is an absolute monarchy. The army is famous 
for its discipline, and almost every man must serve in it for three 
years. The navy consists of a single ship. Education is more gene¬ 
ral, and schools more numerous here than in any country in Europe. 

5. This kingdom comprises two detached sections. The western 
part, which is situated on the river Rhine, was annexed to Prussia in 
L15. The eastern contains various provinces, some of which once 
belonged to Poland. Neufchatel in Switzerland, and some other small 
districts, also belong to this state. 

6. Berlin, the eapital of Prussia, is a handsome city, and is remark¬ 
able for its splendid edifices, its numerous literary institutions, and 
particularly for its university. Manufactures of printed cotton, wool¬ 
len, linen, silk, and porcelain, are carried on to some extent. 

7. Dantzick, Konigsberg, Stettin, and Stralsund, are the chief sea 
ports. Breslau is noted for its fairs; Magdeburg for its sieges and 
strong fortifications ; Halle for its university and salt-works ; and 
Potsdam for its palace of Sans Souci and other splendid buildings. 
Halberstadt and Erfurt are important towns. 

8. At Wittenburg, Luther commenced the Reformation. Cologne 
is famed for Cologne-water; Dusseldorf, Elberfeld, and Barmen, for 
manufactures of various kinds; Aix-la-Chapelle for its warm baths * 
and Treves for its cathedral. Coblentz is an important fortress. 

9. At Rosbach, Lissa, Zorndorf, Liegnitz, &c., Frederick the Great 
gained important victories, and at Cunnersdorf he was defeated. The 
actions fought at Minden, Eylau,* Friedland,* Erfurt, and Lutzen, are 
all celebrated. At the first battle of Lutzen, in 1632, Gustavus Adol 
phus, the renowned king of Sweden, was killed. 

-174- 

BAVARIA, &c. 

1. This kingdom is, next to Austria and Prussia, the most 
important state in Germany. It consists of two distinct ter¬ 
ritories, situated about 40 miles apart, and separated from 
3 ach other by Wirtemberg and Baden. 


part of the people ? 4. What is said of the government ? Army ? 

Navy ? Education ? 5. What does this kingdom comprise ? 6. De¬ 

scribe Berlin. 7. Dantzick, and other towns. 8. What is said of 
Wittenburg ? Cologne, &,c. ? 9. Rosbach, Lissa, &c. ? Minden, &c. T 
Erfurt, &c. ? 

Bavaria , Sfc. Q.—1. What is said of Bavaria? 2. Of the soil, &c. ? 

* For the position of these places, see Map No. 18 






DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


256 

2. The soil is moderately fertile. Cattle and hogs are reared in 
considerable numbers. Wine, brandy, and beer, are made to some 
extent. Education has been of late years very generally diffused, and 
the institutions of learning are in a flourishing condition. 

3. Munich, the capital, is one of the handsomest cities in Germany, 
and is noted for its university, theatre, library, and splendid galleries 
of sculpture and paintings. Nuremburg, Augsburg, Ratisbon, Wurtz- 
burg, and Bamberg, are important places: watches and globes were 
invented in the first named city, and it has been long famous for its 
trade in children’s toys. 

4. Famous victories were gained at Blenheim by the Duke of Marl¬ 
borough, at Hohenlinden by General Moreau, and at Eckmuhl and 
Ratisbon by the Emperor Napoleon. 

HANOVER. 

5. Hanover, formerly an electorate, became a kingdom 
in 1815; and was governed by a viceroy, appointed by the 
King of England. When queen Victoria ascended the British 
ihrone, her uncle, Ernest, became king of Hanover. 

6. Agriculture and manufactures are not very flourishing; of the 
latter, linen is the chief fabric. The mines are important, and exten¬ 
sively wrought. Gold, silver, iron, lead, and copper, all abound. Pota¬ 
toes form the chief food of the people. 

7. Hanover is the capital of the kingdom, and derives its chief im¬ 
portance from that circumstance. Gottingen is celebrated for its 
university: its library, observatory, and botanic gardens, are among 
the most valuable in Europe. Emden is the chief sea-port. Hildes- 
heim, Luneburg, and Osnaburg, have considerable manufactures. 

SAXONY. 

8. This kingdom, the smallest in Europe, is, for its extent, 
one of the most populous of the German states. Commerce, 
manufactures, and mining, are carried on with great industry. 
Vast flocks of sheep are raised, the wool of which is largely 
exported, and is highly esteemed for its fineness. 

9. Dresden, the capital, is one of the finest cities in the north of 
Germany. Its public buildings, libraries, and galleries of paintings, 
are remarkable. Leipsic is famous for its university; and for its great 
fairs, held twice a year, at which vast quantities of books and other 
articles are sold. 


Education ? 3. Describe Munich, &c. 4. What is said of Blenheim ? 
fee. ? 5. Of Hanover ? 6. Agriculture, fee. ? 7. Describe Hanover 

Gottingen, &c. 8. What is said of Saxony ? 9. Describe Dresden. 



THE SMALLER GERMAN STATES. 257 

10. Chemnitz is noted for its cotton manufactures, Meissen for por¬ 
celain, Frey burg for its mines and mining academy, Zittau for its 
extensive trade with Bohemia, and Herrnhut as the original seat of the 
Moravian brethren. Leipsic, Dresden, and Bautzen, were the scenes 
of important battles fought by the emperor Napoleon against the allies. 

WIRTEMBERG, OR WURTEMBURG. 

11. This state was erected into a kingdom in 1806. It 
is one of the best cultivated parts of Germany, and produces 
grain, wine, and fruits of various kinds. Cherries are exten 
sively raised, from which the liquor called kirchwasser is 
made. Geese and snails are reared and fattened in great 
numbers, and sent to Vienna and Italy. 

12. Stuttgard, the capital, is a well-built city. The royal library 
contains 200,000 volumes, and is remarkable for its collection of bibles, 
which comprises 8250 copies, in 68 different languages. Ulm is cele¬ 
brated for its cathedral. Reutlingen and Tubingen are both important 
owns : the latter is noted for its university; Halle for its salt-works, 
and Heilbron for mineral springs. 

-175- 

THE SMALLER GERMAN STATES. 

1. The Grand Duchy of Baden consists principally of a 
narrow but fertile plain on the east side of the Rhine. Grain 
and wine are the chief products. The manufacture of wooden 
clocks is a considerable branch of industry: they are sent in 
great numbers to various parts of the world. 

2. Carlsruhe, the capital, and Manheim, are amongst the finest cities 
in Germany. Heidelberg is famous for its enormous tun, which holds 
800 hogsheads. Baden* is noted for its warm baths, and Freyburg 
for a magnificent Gothic minster, the spire of which is 380 feet high. 

3. The Hessian States comprise the Electorate of Hesse Cassel , the 
Grand Duchy of Hesse Darmstadt , and the Landgraviate of Hesse 
Homburg. Hesse Cassel lies chiefly on the river Fulda, southward of 


Leipsic. 10. Chemnitz and the other towns. 11. What is said of 
Wirtemberg ? W hat is extensively raised, &c. ? 12. Describe Stuttgard, 
Ulm, &.c. 

Smaller German States. Q. —1. Describe Baden. 2. Carlsruhe, and 
the other towns. 3. What is said of the Hessian States ? Hesse Cas- 


* Baden is a German word signifying bathing; and is the name of 
two other towns noted for their baths, viz., Baden in Austria, and 
Baden in Switzerland. 

2 H 






DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


258 

Hanover and Prussia. It comprises also two small districts, situated 
one 35 miles north, and the other 20 miles east, of the principal terri¬ 
tory. The soldiers of this state are no longer hired to foreign powers. 

4. Hesse Darmstadt consists of three separate districts, two of which 
are on the north, and the other on the south side of the river Mayne. 
It is the most densely peopled of the Hessian States. Hesse Homburg 
comprises two distinct sections, separated 50 miles from each other 



Mentz. 


5. Cassel, Darmstadt, and Homburg, are the capitals. Hanau, 
Fulda, and Marburg, are important towns in Cassel; and Worms and 
Mentz in Darmstadt: the latter is strongly fortified, and is celebrated 
as the place where printing was invented. The house where Faust 
and Guttemburg made their first essays in that art is still shown. 

6. The Saxon Duchies comprise the Grand Duchy of Saxe Weimar , 
and the Duchies of Saxe Coburg Gotha , Saxe Meiningen Hilburghausen , 
and Saxe Altenburg. They are situated between Prussia and Bavaria, 
the kingdom of Saxony and the Hessian States. 

7. Saxe Coburg Gotha contains also a small district situated 170 
miles south-west from the residue of the state. Weimar, Gotha, Mei¬ 
ningen, and Altenburg, are the capitals of the Saxon Duchies. 

8. Weimar enjoys a high reputation for learning. It has been the 
residence of some celebrated authors. Gotha, Altenburg, Eisenach, 
and Jena, are important towns. The last is noted for its university 
and the great victory gained by the French over the Prussians. 

9. Mecklenburg comprises the Grand Duchies of Mecklenburg 
Schwerin and Mecklenburg Streliiz. The capitals are Schwerin and 
New Strelitz. The former is situated on a lake of the same name. 
Rostock and Wismar are important commercial towns. Gustrow is 
noted for its beer, and Ludwigslust for its magnificent palace. 

10. Oldenburg is almost surrounded by the dominions of Hanover. 
Some small districts in Holstein and the south part of Prussia also 


sel ? 4. Hesse Darmstadt ? Hesse Homburg ? 5. Cassel, &c. ? 6. 

The Saxon Duchies ? 7. Saxe Coburg Gotha ? 8. Weimar, &c. ? 9 

Mecklenburg, &c. ? 10. Oldenburg, &c. ? 11. Brunswick, &c. ? 12 














THE SMALLER GERMAN STATES. 259 

belong to this state. Oldenburg, the capital, is a well-built city, with a 
handsome ducal palace. The other towns are small and unimportant. 

11. Brunswick consists of five distinct portions, surrounded by the 
territories of Prussia and Hanover. The city of Brunswick, the capi¬ 
tal, is noted fbi its annual fairs. Wolfenbuttel, 7 miles south of Bruns¬ 
wick, contains one of the most valuable libraries in Europe. 

-176- 

12. The Duchy of Nassau is situated on the rivers Rhine 
md Mayne. It is famous for its wines and mineral waters. 
W'isbaden, the capital, is much visited on account of its warm 
springs. At Niederselters, two million bottles are filled 
annually with the celebrated Seltzer water. 

13. Anhalt Dessau, Anhalt Bernburg, and Anhalt Cathen, form two 
detached portions, entirely enclosed by Prussia and Brunswick. The 
capitals are Dessau, Bernburg, and Cothen. 

14. The Principalities of Schwartzburg Rudolstadt and Schwartz 
burg Sondershausen form separate territories, which lie about 25 miles 
apart. The capitals are Rudolstadt and Sondershausen. 

15. Reuss Greitz and Reuss Schleitz consist of two distinct sec¬ 
tions, separated but a short distance from each other. Greitz and 
Lobenstein are the capitals. Gera is the chief town. 

16. Lippe Detmold and Lippe Schauenburg are situated, the latter 
on the north and the other on the south side of the Weser river, and 
about 10 miles apart. Buckeburg and Detmold are the capitals. 

17. Hohenzollern Hechingen and Hohenzollern Sigmaringen form a 
connected domain. They lie in the southern part of the kingdom of 
Wirtemberg. Hechingen and Sigmaringen are the capitals. 

18. Waldeck consists of two detached sections about 30 miles from 
each other. Pyrmont, the largest town, is noted for its mineral waters, 
and is annually visited by many strangers. Arolsen is the capital. 

19. Lichtenstein, the smallest of the principalities, is situated on the 
upper part of the river Rhine, between Austria and Switzerland. Va- 
dutz is the capital. The Prince usually resides in Vienna. 

20. The Lordship of Kniphausen is the smallest of the German 
States, and the smallest in Europe. It is situated within the territories 
of Oldenburg. The capital is the castle of Kniphausen, with a small 
adjoining village containing only 8 houses and 50 inhabitants. 

21. The Free Cities of Germany are Hamburg, Lubec, Bremen, and 
Frankfort. These are all that remain of the famous Hanseatic League, 


Describe Nassau, &c. 13. Anhalt Dessau, &e. 14. Schwartzburg 

Rudolstadt, Sec. 15. Reuss Greitz, &c. 16. Lippe Detmold, &c. 17, 

Hohenzollern Hechingen, See. 18. Waldeck. 19. Lichtenstein. 20 





DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


260 

that once comprised 85 of the most commercial European towns, and 
ruled, by their wealth and arms, a great part of northern Europe. 

22. Hamburg is the chief commercial city in Germany. It is the 
seat of extensive manufactures, and the ships of almost all nations 
visit its port.* Lubec and Bremen are important commercial towns. 
At Frankfort the Germanic Diet, or Congress of the German princes, 
holds its meetings. This city is celebrated for its semi-annual fairs, 
which attract merchants from all parts of Europe. 

23. The Duchies of Holstein and Lauenburg belong to Denmark. 
Altona, Kiel, and Gluckstadt, are the chief towns in Holstein, and 
Lauenburg in Lauenburg. 

24. The Grand Duchy of Luxemburg belongs part to Belgium and 
part to Holland. The title of Grand Duke, and the right of voting in 
the German Diet are enjoyed by the king of Holland. Luxemburg, 
the capital, is noted for the strength of its fortifications. Bastogne is 
the next most important town. 

-177-- 

Map No. 20.—What bounds Germany on the north ? N.-Sa., Dk., 

B.-Sa.—South? Sd., L. and V.—East? Pd., Ga., Hy.—West? Hd., 
Bm., Fe. (See table of the German States.) How many German States ? 
How many are Empires ? Kingdoms ? Grand Duchies ? Duchies ? 
Principalities ? Electorates ? Landgraviates ? Lordships ? Republics ? 
How many are Catholic ? Protestant ? Absolute in government ? 

How long and wide is Germany? Its area? Population? To 
what state does Holstein and Lauenburg belong ? Dk.—Luxemburg ? 
Hd.—Point out the different states on the Map. The Smaller German 
States which have a common title will be found under their respective 
heads : thus, the Saxon Duchies are under SAXE; those of Anhalt, 
under ANHALT, &c. The capitals designate the general position 
of the special divisions. 

What rivers flow into the North Sea? Re., Es., Wr., Ee., Er.—Into 
the Baltic Sea? Or. — How long is each of these? Which is the 
principal river in the south of Germany ? De.—Into what river do 
the Meuse, Moselle, Mayne, and Neckar flow ? Re.—The Lech, Iser, 
Inn, Ens, Leitha, March, Raab, and Drave ? De.—The Save also flows 
into the Danube. Into what river do the Hunte, Aller, Fulda, and 
Werra flow? Wr.—The Moldau, Mulda, Saale, Havel, and Ilmenau? 
’ t '£e.—The Neisst, Bober, and Wartha, are the chief brandies of the 
Ider. Into what sea does the Danube flow ? (See Map, No. 18.) 

Where is Muritz Lake ? L. Schweiloch ? Ammer L. ? Cheim L. ? 
Atter L. ? Traun L. ? L. of Constance ? Cirknitz L. ? The latter 
is an alternating lake : it is full of water in winter, which passes off 

Kniphausen. 21. The Free cities, fee. 22. Hamburg, &c. 23. Hol¬ 
stein and Lauenburg. 24. Luxemburg. 

* In the year 1842, a dreadful fire occurred in Hamburg, which destroyed pro 
perty to the amount of 30 million dollars 






SWITZERLAND. 


2G1 

in the early part of summer, and the bottom of the lake becomes a 
pasture-ground. Where are the islands of Rugen, Usedom, and Wol- 
lin ? To w hat state do they belong ? Pa.—What island lies west of 
Holstein ? Hd.—To what power does it belong ? G.-Bn. 

Where are the Mts. called the Fichtelgebirge, Erzgebirge, and Riesen- 
gebirge ? These form the Sudetic Mts. Point out the Hartz, Bohmer- 
wald, Arlberg, and Vosges Mts. How high are all the foregoing ? 
Point out the Black Forest or Schwarzwald, Odenwald, and Hercynian 
Mts. The Alps. How lu.ig are they? Point out the Rhetian Alps, 
Julian Alps, Noric Alps, ^ud Styrian Alps. 

Where are Bohemia, Moravia, Austrian Silesia, Upper Austria, 
Lower Austria, Tyrol, Styria, Carinthia, and Carniola? These are 
the German provinces of Austria. The two last form the kingdom of 
Illyria. Where is Pomerania, Brandenburg, Silesia, Saxony, West¬ 
phalia, and Rhine? These are the German provinces of Prussia. For 
the other great divisions of Austria, see Map No. 18. They are Hun¬ 
gary, Galicia, and Dalmatia. Chief towns, Pest, Lemberg, and Zara. 
The remaining Prussian provinces are Posen and East and West 
Prussia. Chief towns, Posen, Ivonigsberg, and Dantzick. 

Point out the capitals of the German States. The population of 
each. Point out the capitals situated on rivers that are named in the 
Map, and the names of the rivers. Point where universities and col¬ 
leges are situated. Tell the number in each state respectively. Which 
is the most populoun city in Germany ? Va. — The next? Bn.— In 
what years did the battles fought in Austria take place ? In Prussia ? 
Bavaria? Saxony? Wirtemberg ? Saxe Weimar. 

-178- 



Bern*. 


SWITZERLAND. 

1. Switzerland is the most mountainous country in 
Europe. It is remarkable for the grandeur of its scenery, 
and the freedom of its political institutions. 

2. It is called the “ Helvetic Republic;” and consists of 22 
cantons, each of which is independent ; but for national se¬ 
curity they are united together, and governed by a general diet. 


Switzerland. Q.—1. Describe Switzerland. 2. What is it called ? 







262 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGItAPIIY• 


3. Switzerland is traversed by the Alps. Extensive rields of ice, 
called glaciers, cover their lofty summits; and avalanches, composed 
of vast bodies of snow, sometimes rush down upon the valleys, bury¬ 
ing travellers, buildings, and even villages, in one common ruin. 

4. Many parts of the country are but ill adapted to agriculture 
but by the industry of the inhabitants, spots apparently doomed to 
eternal sterility are crowned with vegetation. The products are grain, 
wine, and various kinds of fruit; but pasturage and the making of 
cheese are the chief objects of the farmer. 

5. The Swiss are honest, brave, and hospitable, ardently attached to 
liberty, and to their native country. Education is general in Switzer¬ 
land ; and great crimes are rare. The Protestants and Catholics are 
about equal in number. The languages spoken are the German, 
French, and Italian. 

6. Berne is usually considered the capital of Switzerland ; but Zurich 
and Lucerne share with it that honour, each being alternately the seat 
of government for two years at a time. Geneva is situated on the 
lake of the same name. It is distinguished for its literary institu¬ 
tions, and its extensive manufactures of clocks, watches, &c. 

7. Freiburg is noted for its wire suspension bridge, the longest in 
Europe, it crosses the river Sarine, is 905 feet in length, and 175 
above the surface of the water. It was completed in the year 1834. 

8. - Near Schaffhausen are the celebrated Falls of the Rhine. Mor- 
garten and Morat were the scenes of splendid victories gained in the 
cause of freedom. At P»Iorgarten, 1600 Swiss routed 20,000 Austrians. 
In this battle the celebrated William Tell distinguished himself. At 
Zurich the French defeated the Austrians and Russians. 

9. Among the quadrupeds found in Switzerland are the Alpine 
spaniel and the ibex. The former is one of the largest animals of its 



Alpine Spaniel. Ibex. 


3. What is said of the Alps ? Avalanches ? 4. Agriculture, &c. ? 
Products? 5. Describe the Swiss. What is said of education ?* Lan 




ITALY. 


2G3 


kind. Several are kept by the monki- of Mount St. Bernard, for the 
purpose of discovering travellers lost in crossing tire mountains in 
time of snow. The ibex is a speoies of wild goat, and dwells among 
the highest precipices of the Alps, whither they are often followed by 
those who hunt them. 


Map No. 20.—What bounds Switzerland on the north ? Fe., Bn., 
Wg.—South ? Sa., L. and V.—East? Tl.—Where are the Jura Mts. 7 
Pennine Alps? Lepontine Alps? IIow high is Mt. Rosa? The 
Jura Mts. ? Where is Lake Constance ? Geneva L. ? L. Neufchatel ? 
L. Lucerne? L. Zurich? How long is each of these lakes? Where 
is Neufchatel and its territory ? This little state is a Swiss canton, 
but under the government of the king of Prussia. What is the popu¬ 
lation of Geneva? Basle? Berne? Zurich? Lucerne? Which 
of these towns have colleges? How high are the Falls of the Rhine? 
When were the battles of Morgarten, Morat, and Zurich, fought 7 
What three considerable rivers rise in Switzerland ? Re., Re., In. 

-179- 



ITALY. 

1. Italy forms a great peninsula, bounded on the fe«.st by 
the Gulf of Venice, and on the west by the Mediterranean 


guages? 6. Berne, &c.? Geneva? 7. Freiburg? 8. Where are 
the Falls of the Rhine ? What is said of Morgarten, &c. ? William 
Tell? Zurich? 9. What quadrupeds are found in Switzerland ? 

Italy. Q .—1. What does Italy form? 2. What is it? For what’is 











264 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


sea. It was the country of the ancient Romans, and is filled 
with the remains of their splendid cities and buildings. 

2. Though in a state of decline, Italy is one of the most 
interesting countries in the world, and almost every spot in 
it has been the scene of some remarkable event. The 
country is noted for the mildness of its climate, and for the 
beauty, diversity, and romantic character of its scenery. 

3. The soil is generally fertile, and is in some parts well cultivated 
The chief products are wheat, corn, rice, oil, wine, and silk. The prin¬ 
cipal fruits are oranges, figs, dates, and almonds. 

4. The Roman Catholic is the established religion in all the Italian 
States. In this country are to be found the finest specimens of archi¬ 
tecture. The churches are costly and magnificent, and the dwellings 
jf some of the nobles rival the palaces of kings and emperors. 

5. The Italians are highly distinguished for their skill in sculpture, 
painting, architecture, and music; but are not much noted at present 
for literature or -science. They are naturally a lively people, with active . 
passions and ardont imaginations, and generally have expressive coun¬ 
tenances and animated sparkling eyes. 



6. The higher ranks wear the usual European dress; but among th 
Ewer orders, there'are various local peculiarities of costume. The food 
of the Italians is generally light; fruits and vegetables are more com¬ 
mon articles of diet than flesh, and, as in the other parts of the south 
of Europe, oil and wine are much used by all classes of the people. 


:t noted ? 3. What is said of the soil ? 4. Religion ? What are 

to be found / 5. Describe the Italians. 6. Their dress. Food 





















SARDINIA-LOMDARDY AND VENICE. 2G5 

7. Italy comprises the kingdom of Sardinia, the kingdom of Naples 
the kingdom of Lombardy and Venice, the Popedom, the Grand Duchy 
of Tuscany, the Duchies of Parma, Modena, and Lucca, the Republic 
of San Marino, and the Principality of Monaco. 

SARDINIA. 

8. The kingdom of Sardinia embraces the north-we: t 
section of Italy, together with the large island of Sardinia. 
The continental part of this state is fertile and well cultivated 
and there are some manufactures of silk. Savoy, Piedmont 
Genoa, and Nice, are the continental provinces. 



Genoa. 

* 

9. Turin, the capital, is the most regularly built of all the Italian 
Cities. Genoa, surnamed the Superb, was long the capital of a power- 
h! republic ; it was the birth-place of Columbus. It is now the chief 
eea-port of Sardinia. Alessandria, Nice, Asti, Coni, and Mondovi, are 
important towns. Cagliari is the chief town of the island of Sardinia. 

10. At Montenotte, Mondovi, and Marengo, Bonaparte gained de¬ 
cisive victories. That of Montenotte was the commencement of his 
career of conquest. Previous to the victory of Marengo, he crossed 
the Alps with the whole of his army. At Novi the French were 
defeated by the Russian General Suwarrow. 

11. Monaco. —The principality of Monaco is a small independent 
Btate, under the protection of Sardinia, with 7000 inhabitants. I 
capital, Monaco, is a small village. Mentore is t.ie chief town. Tfc 
reigning prince is a peer of France, and usually lives in Paris. 


Map No. 21.—What Mts. bound Italy on the north? As.—Wh* 
sea on the south and west? M.-Sa. — East? G.-Ve.—What island 
Jie west ? Ca., Sa., Ea. — South ? Sy. —What strait separates Italy 
from Turkey ? Oo. —What Mts. extend through Italy ? Ae. 


". What does Italy comprise ? 8. Describe Sardinia. 9. Turin, Geno? 
&c. 10 What is said of Montenotte, &c. ? Marengo? 11 Monacc 

2 / 












2 66 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


Map No. 20. —Where is the river Po ? What rivers flow into it on 
the north ? South ? Into the Gulf of Venice ? How long are the Po 
and Adige ? Where is Lake Garda ? L. Como ? L. Maggiore ? 
How long is each ? How is Sardinia bounded on the north ? South ? 
East? West? Where are the Maritime Alps? Cottian Alps? Pen¬ 
nine Alps ? How high is Mont Blanc ? Mt. Rosa ? How long and 
high are the Apennines ? What is the population of Turin, and the 
othei towns ? On what rivers are they ? Where is Monaco ? 

Map No. 21.—Where is the island of Sardinia? How long and 
wide is it ? What strait separates it from Corsica ? Bo.—Point out 
its highest Mt. What is the population of Cagliari ? Sassari ? 

- 180 - 

LOMBARDY AND VENICE, OR AUSTRIAN ITALY. 

1. The kingdom of Lombardy and Venice is situated be¬ 
tween the river Po and the Alps, and westward of the Gulf 
of Venice. It belongs to Austria, and is one of the best cul¬ 
tivated territories in Italy. Its agriculture, trade, and manu- 
factuies, are prosperous. It consists of two divisions, Lom¬ 
bardy in the west, and Venice in the east. 

2. Milan, the seat of 
government, is on the 
Olona river, a branch of 
the Po. It is a hand¬ 
some city, and was 
greatly improved by the 
Emperor Napoleon. It 
was founded 2400 years 
ago, and was forty 
times besieged, forty 
times taken, and four 
times destroyed and re¬ 
built. The public build¬ 
ings are numerous and 
splendid. The cathedral 
is the finest specimen 
of Gothic architecture in existence, and the statues with which it is 
adorned are said to amount to 4000. 

3. Venice, the capital of the ancient republic of that name, was 
long the chief maritime city of the south of Europe, and though its 
extensive commerce and naval greatness have departed, it is still an 
important place. It is a remarkable city, being built upon 72 islands. 



Lombardy and Venice. Q. — 1. What is said of Lombardy anrf 































PARMA, MODENA, LUCCA, TUSCANY, THE TOPEDOM. 267 

joined together by 500 bridges. Venice has canals for Streets, and 
boats or gondolas for carriages. It is at the head of the gulf of the 
same name, or Adriatic sea. 

4. Padua and Pavia are noted for their universities, Verona for the 
remains of a vast Roman amphitheatre, Cremona for violins, BresGia 
for fire-arms, Bergamo for its great fair, and Mantua for its strong for¬ 
tifications. At the battle of Pavia, Francis I., king of France, was 
taken prisoner. Lodi, Areola, and Rivoli, were, particularly the first, 
the scenes of important battles between the French and Austrians. 

PARMA AND MODENA. 

5. The Duchies of Parma and Modena are fertile and 
populous districts, situated south of Lombardy and Venice. 
Parma is governed by Maria Louisa, the widow of the late 
emperor of France; and Modena by an Austrian duke. 

6. Parma gives name to the celebrated Parmesan cheese; and Mo¬ 
dena is noted for its Carrara t mrble, the finest in the world. The 
capitals have the same name as the duchies to which they respectively 
belong. Placentia and Reggio a”e the next important towns. 

TUSCANY AND LUCCA * 

7. The Grand Duchy of Tuscany and Lucca is the most 
prosperous state in Italy. Manufactures of silk, soap, and 
Leghorn bonnets, are carried on to a considerable extent. 
The latter employs-a number of women and children. 

8. Florence, the capital, surnamed the Beautiful, is one of the hand¬ 
somest cities in Europe. Its palaces, churches, galleries, and libraries, 
are all celebrated. Leghorn is the chief sea-port of Italy : it has an 
extensive commerce, and an animation unusual in Italian towns. 

9. Pisa is noted for the Campanile, or leaning tower; it is 190 feet 
high, and inclines 15 feet from the perpendicular. Sienna, 30 miles 
south of Florence, contains a vast cathedral. Its university has some 
reputation as a school of medicine. 

THE POPEDOM, OR STATES OF THE CHURCH. 

10. The territory forming the Popedom, or States of the 
Church, occupies the centre of Italy. It is ruled by the Pope, 
who is the head of the Catholic church, and is invested with 
absolute power, both spiritual and temporal. 

Venice? 2. Milan? 3. Venice? 4. Padua, &c. ? 5. Describe the 

Duchies, &c. 6. What is said of Parma, &c.? 7. Tuscany and Lucca? 8. 

* In 1BI7 the Duchy of Lucca was annexed to Tuscan", in consideration of an annual rent 
or pension paid by the latter to the Duke of Lucca, who ..o»v resides in Paris as a private gen- 
tie man. lac sovereign of the I wo states takes the title of Grand Duke of Tuscany and Lucca. 




DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


268 

11. Rome, the capital of these states, was in ancient times the largest 
city in the world. It was 50 miles in circumference, and had a popu¬ 
lation of two million inhabitants. Though now much decayed, and a 
great part of it in ruins, it is still the most interesting city in Europe. 



The City of Rome. 


12. It contains a great number of churches, superb palaces, and 
magnificent remains of antiquity. St. Peter’s, the largest of its 
churches, and the largest in the world, was 111 years in building, and 
cost a sum equal to 160 million dollars at the present day. 

13. Bologna and Ferrara are, after the capital, the next important 
towns; the first is noted for its university. Ferrara was once the capi¬ 
tal of an independent duchy. Ravenna, in the 5th century, was the 
capital of the Western Empire. Ancona and Civita Vecchia are the 
chief sea-ports. Loreto has long been a place of great resort for pil¬ 
grims, to visit its holy shrine, but the number has of late decreased. 

14. San Marino. —This little republic, the smallest in Europe, is 
under the protection of the Pope, and has been independent 1300 years. 
It occupies a tract of 22 square miles, with 7600 inhabitants. The 
capital is on the side of a mountain, and has a population of 5500. 


Map No. 20. —What bounds Lombardy and Venice on the north ? 
South ? East ? West ? What is the population of the chief towns ? 
Point out those situated on rivers. When were the different battles 
fought ? How is Parma bounded ? Modena ? Lucca ? What is the 
population of the cities in those states ? Where is San Marino ? 

Map No. 21.—What is the population of Rome? Bologna? Fer¬ 
rara ? Florence ? Leghorn ? On what river is Rome ? Florence ? 
What island west of Tuscany ? Ea. — It was the residence of Napo¬ 
leon Bonaparte during part of the years 1814 and 1815. 


Florence? 9. Pisa, &c. ? 10. Popedom? 11. R me? 12. What 

does it contain ? 13. What is said of Bologna, Ferrara, Ravenna, 

<fec. ? 14. Describe San Marino. 





NAPLES. 


269 


-181- 

NAPLES, OR THE TWO SICILIES. 

1. The kingdom of Naples is the most considerable in 
Italy for extent and population. It comprises the southern 
half of Italy, the island of Sicily, and the Lipari Isles. 



The City and Bay of Naples. 

2 . All parts of this kingdom have a warm climate, and 
a luxuriant soil. The fig and almond tree, the cotton-plant, 
and sugar-cane, all flourish; yet the cities and towns are 
filled with beggars, and persons destitute of employment. 

3. The supineness of the government, and the indolence 
of the people, prevent agriculture, manufactures, or commerce, 
from being diligently pursued. The latter is chiefly carried 
on by foreigners. The exports are oil, silk, wine, and wool. 



Porcupine. Quail. 


4. The principal wild animals found in Italy are the wolf and. wild 
boar. These, though rare, are occasionally seen in the mountains and 
forests of this kingdom; and the porcupine is met with in the south- 

Naples. Q. — 1. What does Naples occupy? 2. Of the climate, 
soil, &c. ? 3. Government ? Commerce, <&c. ? 4. Wild animals 7 










270 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


ern districts. Birds in great variety inhabit all sections of the penin 
sula; and immense flocks of quails pass from Sicily to the more 
northern regions of Europe, during the spring of every year. 

5. Sicily is the largest and most fertile island in the Mediterranean 
sea. In ancient times it was the granary of Rome. It contains Etna, 
the most noted volcano in Europe. Smoke and flames issue from the 
summit of this mountain, though covered with perpetual snow. 

6. North of Sicily are the Lipari Islands ; one of which, Stromboli, 
is a volcanic mountain, constantly burning; it is called the light-house 
of the Mediterranean. Its flames may be seen at night 100 miles dis¬ 
tant. Lipari, the principal island, consists entirely of pumice-stone. 

7. Naples, the capital of this kingdom, is the most populc us city in 
Italy. It is situated on a bay of the same name, near the base of 
Mount Vesuvius. It is noted for the beauty of its situation, and Is 
remarkable for the number of its nobles and lazzaroni, or vagabonds. 

8. Taranto, Bari, Cava, Foggio, Lecce, and Salerno, are all conside¬ 
rable towns in Naples. Gaeta is strongly fortified, and is regarded 
as one of the keys of the kingdom. Palermo, the chief city of Sicily, 
has a university, and some commerce. Catania, Messina, Marsala, 
Trapani, and Syracuse, are the principal towns. The two first have 
often suffered from earthquakes. Marsala is noted for its wine. 

9. Malta —Malta is a celebrated island lying in the Mediterra¬ 
nean sea, south of Sicily. It is noted for the strength of its fortifica¬ 
tions. This island formerly belonged to the knights of St. John, a 
powerful military order; but now it belongs to Great Britain. Va- 
letta, the capital and port, is very strongly fortified, and has an ex 
cellent harbour. Gozzo, north of Malta, is a dependency of the latter. 

10. Ionian Republic. — This republic comprises the 
islands of Corfu, Cephalonia, Zante, St. Maura, Paxu, Ithaca, 
and Cerigo, which lie chiefly on the west coast oPGreece. It 
is under the protection of Great Britain, whose sovereign ap¬ 
points the lord high commissioner, or head of the government. 

11. The inhabitants are chiefly Greeks and Italians. They are an 
enterprising people, and carry on a considerable commerce in wine 
olive-oil, and currants. Zante is the largest town; but Corfu, on the 
island of the same name, is the capital. 

Map No. 21.—How is Naples bounded? What strait separates it 
from Turkey? Oo.—What gulf in the south? To-What moun¬ 

tains extend through it? As.—What Mt. near Naples? Vs.—In 
Sicily? Ea.—What islands north of Sicily? Li.—What capes in 
Sicily? What strait separates Italy and Sicily. What is the popula- 

5. What is said of Sicily ? Mount Etna ? 6. The Lipari Islands ? 

7. Describe Naples. 8. Taranto, See. Palermo, and the other towns. 
9. Malta. Valetta. Gozzo. 10. Describe the Ionian republic. 11. 
The inhabitants. Commerce, &c. Population, 




GREECE. 


271 


tion of Naples? Palermo? Mesrina? Catania? Taranto? Bari? 
Syracuse ? How long and wide is Sicily ? What island south ? Ma. 
—What island north of Malta? Go. 

Map No. 22. — On what coast do the Ionian isles lie ? Ty. Ge. — 
Which is the largest island ? Cu. — Most northern ? Cu. — South 
ern ? Co. —Wha„ is the population of the islands ? Chief to ?ns ? 

- 182 - 



The Greeks destroying a Turkish man-of-war. 

GREECE. 


1. Greece is one of the most celebrated countries in the 
world. More than 2000 years ago, it excelled all others in 
civilization, learning, and the arts. It was for nearly four 
centuries subject to Turkish bondage; but has lately, after a 
protracted warfare, become independent. 

2. The modern kingdom comprises the southern part of 
ancient Greece, together with those islands in the Archipelago 
called the Cyclades, and the northern Sporades. Its chief di¬ 
visions are Hellas, the Morea, and the Islands. 

3. The coasts of Greece are indented with numerous gulfs, and the 
interior is diversified with rugged mountains and fertile valleys. Ths- 
climate is mild; and the soil, though badly cultivated, produces col 
ton, oil, wine, silk, &c., with fruits of various kinds. 


Greece. Q. —1. What is said of Greece? How long was it subject 
&c. ? 2. What does the modern kingdom comprise ? 3. What 




















DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


272 


4. The Greeks are an active and vigorous race of people. In their 
late contest with the Turks, -they displayed a courage not unworthy 
their heroic ancestors. The employment of fire-ships was with them 
a favourite mode of warfare, by which they destroyed some of the 
largest Turkish vessels. 

5. The people are destitute of education ; but they are anxious for 
improvement, and eager to rise from the degradation produced by their 
long political servitude. Considerable exertions are making to intro 
duce schools, and to disseminate learning, good morals, and religion 
The established religion is that of the Greek church. 

6. The government chosen for this country by the great European 
powers, is a monarchy very nearly absolute : the selected king is Otho, 
son of Louis Charles of Bavaria. 

7. Athens, the capital of Modern Greece, was one of the most cele¬ 
brated cities of antiquity, and the birth-place of the most renowned 
orators, philosophers, and artists of ancient times. It was nearly all 
destroyed in the late war, but is reviving. Of its ancient remains, the 
/enowned Acropolis, the pride of Athens 20 centuries ago, still exists— 
out is much dilapidated. 

8. Tripolizza, Napoli, and Navarino, are among the chief towns. 
The last is celebrated for the destruction of the Turkish naval power 
oy the combined fleets of England, France, and Russia, Oct. 20th, 
1827;—an event which secured the independence of Greece. 

9. Missolonghi and Patras, important Greek fortresses during the 
.ate war, are both on the gulf of Patras. At the first named, Lord 
Byron died, while promoting the cause of Grecian liberty. Livadia, 
Thebes, and Lepanto, are the only towns of any note. Corinth, once 
a magnificent city, is now a small village. 

10. The principal Greek islands are Negropont, Andros, Naxia, 
Milo, Thermia, Zea, and Syra. The latter is the most flourishing, and 
the commerce of Syra, its chief town, is important. Hydra and 
Spezzia were, during the late war, renowned for the skill and courage 
of their sailors: their ships formed the chief part of the Greek navy. 

Map No. 22.—What bounds Greece on the north ? Ty.—South and 
west'/ M.-Sa.— East? Ao.—What peninsula in the south? Ma.— 
What isthmus unites it to the main land ? Ch.—Which is the southern 
cape of Greece ? Mn. —What island west of Greece ? In.—Groups 
east ? N. Ss., Cs. —What island nea-r the east coast ? Nt. —What 
gulfs on the south ? East ? West ? What gulfs nearly separate 
Hellas and the Morea? Point out the chief mountains? Rivers? 
Lake ? Tell the population of Athens ? The other towns ? 


said of the coasts ? Interior ? Its products ? 4. Describe tlie 

Greeks, &c. 5. What is said of the people ? 6. The government ? 
7. Athens? 8. Tripolizza? Navarino? 9. Missolonghi,&c ? Liva 
<ua, and the other towns ? 10. Name the principal islands What 

said of Syra ? Hydra, &c. ? 




TURKEY. 


273 


-183- 

TURKEY. 

1. Turret or the Ottoman empire, comprises two great 
divisions, Turkey in Europe and Turkey in Asia. It was 
once a powerful state; but has within the last hundred years 
greatly declined in strength and importance. 

2. Its influence and territory are much diminished. Bar¬ 
bary is no longer tributary; Greece has become independent ; 
while Egypt, as well as the islands of Cyprus and Candia, 
have fallen into the hands of Mahomet Ali, the Pacha of 
Egypt. 

3. The government is despotic. The Sultan, or Grand 
Signior, is considered as reigning by divine commission; and 
as uniting in himself all the powers of the state. He is some¬ 
times profanely called the shadow of God, brother to the sun 
and moon, and refuge of the world. 

4. The court is called the Ottoman Porte, or Sublime Porte. 
The Divan is the great council of the nation ,* it is composed 


% 



Grand Signior. Grand Vizier. Mufti. 


fcf the Grand Vizier, the Mufti, the Capidan Pacha, the Re : 
Eftendi, and other officers of state. 

5. The Turks are grave and sedate in their manners, but ignorant 
and bigoted : and so indolent, that nothing short of the strongest ex- 


Turkey. Q. —1. What does Turkey comprise ? What was it once ? 
2 What is said of its territory ? 3. The government ? 4. What is 
2 K 






274 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


citement will rouse them to activity. They are temperate m eaung 
and drinking. Pork and wine are prohibited by the Koran. Coffee 
is the principal beverage; though ardent spirits and opium are also 
used to some extent. 

6. In religion they are strict Mahomedans. They call those who 
do not believe their creed infidels, and formerly esteemed it lawful to 
reduce to subjection all who refused to be converted to their faith. 
Smoking the pipe, lounging for hours cross-legged upon a cushion or 
sofa, and bathing, are the principal occupations of the better class. 

7. Important changes were attempted in Turkey by the late 
sultan : he organized his army and navy after those of the other 
European nations, and endeavoured to introduce their arts and sciences 
into his empire; but such is the indifference of the Turks to improve¬ 
ments of any kind, that but little real change has taken place. 

8. The Turks, or, as they call themselves, Osmanlis, are the ruling 
people; but they constitute less than one-half the population. The 
remainder consists of Greeks, Albanians, Armenians, Turcomans, 
Arabs, Kurds, Jews, and Gypsies. There is no hereditary nobility in 
Turkey; the only difference of rank being that of office. 

-184- 



Constantinople. 

TURKEY IN EUROPE. 

1. Turkey in Europe is the smallest of the two great 
divisions of the Ottoman Empire. Its surface is mountainous 
and, throughout most of its extent, interspersed with beautiful 
and fertile valleys. 

the court called ? 5. Describe the Turks. Of eating, &c. ? 6. Of 

religion? Principal occupations? 7. Important changes? Army*an 
navy ? 8. Of the Turks, and the other inhabitants ? Of nobility,'&c. 
Turkey in Eurove . Q. ~ 1. What is Turkey in Europe ? 2.’wh* 


















TURKEY IN EUROPE. 


275 


2. In soil and climate it is highly favoured; and under a 
liberal government would doubtless become one of the most 
flourishing countries of Europe. The pioducts are Indian 
corn, wheat, rice, cotton, silk, wine, oil, fruits, &c. 

3. The operations of agriculture and manufactures are but 
negligently conducted. The commerce is chiefly carried on 
by foreigners, and is mostly confined to the port of Constan- 
inople. The inland trade is considerable; it is in the hands 
of Greeks, -Jews, Armenians, &c. 

4. The horses and cattle are generally large and fine: the former 
are from the Arabian stock. The Wallachian sheep are remarkable 
for the singularity of their horns and wool: the latter is long and 
straight, but rather coarse. The birds, particularly the water-fowl, are 
numerous, and of various kinds, among which the pelican and flamingo 
are conspicuous. 



Wallachian Sheep. 


5. The provinces of Wallachia, Moldavia, and Servia, are governed 
by their own princes, and are in all respects independent, except that 
they pay an annual fixed tribute to the Porte. The people of these 
provinces are much oppressed by their ruiers. They belong mostly to 
the Greek church. 

6. Constantinople is the capital of the Ottoman Empire, and the 
third city in Europe in population. Its situation is beautiful, and its 
harbour commodious. It presents a fine appearance at a distance, but 
is found on examination to consist of narrow, crooked streets, with 
gloomy-looking houses, built of wood. 

7. Fires occur so often, that it is said Constantinople is entirely 
rebuilt every fifteen years. The Mosques, or Mahomedan places of 
worship, are numerous, and some of them are superb structures. The 


Is said of its surface ? Soil and climate ? Products ? 3. Of agricul¬ 
ture, &c. ? Commerce? 4. Horses and cattle? Wallachian sheep, 
&c. ? 5. What is said of Wallachia, &c.? 6. Describe Constanti 








DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


276 

mosque of St. Sophia, once a Christian church, is acco.mted the finest 
in the world. The mosques of Sultan Achmet, and of Suleyman, are 
large and splendid, but are not marked by the same classic taste. 
Constantinople differs from every other capital in Europe, by having 
no names to its streets, no lamps, and no post-office. 

8. Adrianople is the second city in European Turkey. It was long 
the residence of the Sultans Bucharest, the capital of Wallachia, is 
a large dirty city, built in a swamp: the streets, instead of being paved 
in the usual way, are covered with planks. Belgrade, Widin, Silistria, 
and Shumla, are strongly fortified towns. Serajevo, Saloniea, Sophia, 
and Joann ina, are all places of some note. 

Map No. 18.—What bounds Turkey on the north? Aa. — South? 
Ge., Ao., S.-Ma. — East? B.-Sa.—West? G.-Ve. — Which is the 
chief river ? De. — How long is it ? Into what sea does it flow ? Bk. 
— Point out the principal mountains. Bn. — How long are they ? 
What strait between the Archipelago and the sea of Marmora ? Ds. 

-What channel leads into the Black sea ? Ce. —What is the popula¬ 
tion of Constantinople ? Adrianople ? Bucharest ? Serajevo ? Saloniea ? 
Sophia? Joannina? Ibraila? Shumla? Seres? On what strait is 
Constantinople ? On what rivers are the largest of the other cities ? 

-185- 

ASIA. 

1. Asia is the largest and most populous of the great divi¬ 
sions of the globe. It was the seat of some of the most 
powerful empires of ancient times, and the theatre of many 
of the most interesting events recorded in history. 

2. It was here our first parents were created, and from 
hence the descendants of Noah peopled the world after the 
flood. It was also the birth-place of our Saviour, the scene 
of his miracles and death, and the field on which the apostles 
first published salvation to man. 

3. Stretching through almost 80 degrees of latitude, Asia 
presents every variety of soil and climate. Its large rivers 
are inferior only to the great streams of the Western Conti¬ 
nent ; its mountain chains are among the most extensive in 
the world, and attain to a greater height than those of any 
othei region. 


nople. 7. What is said of fires ? 8. Describe Adrianople. Bucha¬ 
rest, &c. 

Asia. Q. — 1. What is Asia? Of what has it been the seat? 
2. What is said of our first parents ? Our Saviour ? 3. Of the soil 





ASIA 


277 



4. Asia is distinguished for the variety and value of its 
uroducts. It supplies the other parts of the world with tea, 
with some of the finest spices and perfumes, and also with 
silk, diamonds, and precious stones of various kinds. 

5. The institutions, manners and customs of the people 
are the same at the present as in the earliest times; and no 
advance appears to have been made for a long period in arts, 
sciences, or learning. 

6. In disposition and temper the people, for the most part, are grave, 
serious, and recluse. The women are generally kept in ignorance, and 
are not taught reading or writing; they are also, in many parts of 
Asia, regarded almost as slaves, live in strict retirement, and do not go 
abroad without being closely veiled. 

7. The governments of Asia are generally despotic, and their ad- 
ministration is frequently arbitrary and tyrannical. Robbery is often 
practised as a regular trade, even by chiefs and princes, and as a call 
ing that they consider honourable and honest. 

8. Agriculture is pursued in many parts of Asia with great indus 
try and care, but not with the same skill as in Europe. Many of the 
manufactures, though conducted with the most simple tools and ma¬ 
chinery, are not surpassed in richness and beauty by those of any 
other part of the world. 

and climate ? Rivers ? Mountains ? 4. For what is Asia distinguish 
cd ? 5. Of the institutions, manners, &c.? 6. Disposition, &c. ? Of 

the women ? 7. What is? said of the governmen ts ? Robbery ? 8 

Agriculture? Manufactures? 9. Commerce? foreign trade ? 10 
















DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


‘278 

9. A lucrative commerce has been carried on in this quarter from 
the earliest times. The internal trade by caravans, though not so im¬ 
portant as that by sea, is yet very considerable. The foreign trade, 
particularly that with China and India, is chiefly in the hands of the 
English and Americans, and is extensive and valuable. 

10. Some of the most remarkable animals of Asia are the Elephant, 
one-horned Rhinocer ;S, Tiger, Leopard, and Musk Dee". The Horse, 
Camel, Ass, Sheep, and Goat, are supposed to have had their origin in 
to is quarter, and with the Peacock, common Fowl, and Pheasant, have 
been spread hence over other parts of the world. Gigantic Cranes, 
as tall as a man, and the Cassowary, similar to the Ostrich, with an 
infinite number of birds of brilliant and varied plumage, abound. 



Tiger. 


11. Crocodiles, different however from those of Africa, are fo jnd in 
all the large rivers of the south; and serpents exist in great variety, 
from the gigantic Python and Anaconda, measuring frcm 12 to 20 feet 
in length, to a species of only an inch and a half long, whose venom 
causes the person bitten by it to fall into a deadly sleep. 

12. Asia comprises a greater variety of different races of men than 

any other quarter of the world. The chief part of the inhabitants are 
Pagans, whose modes of worship embrace various forms of idolatry. 
Brahmins, Buddhists, worshippers of the Grand Lama, of Confucius, 
and of spirits or genii, are the most prevalent: they number probably 
360 millions; Mahomedans, 80 millions; Christians, Jews, &c., 10 
millions. Total, 450 millions. , 

13. Though nearly the whole of this vast multitude is involved in 
heathen darkness, yet the exertions of Christian missionaries, and the 
distribution of the Scriptures in various Asiatic languages, will no 
doubt in time enlighten the nations, and lead to the spiritual redemp¬ 
tion of this great continent. 


Describe the animals. Birds. 11. Crocodiles, &c. 12. What does 

Asia comprise ? What is said of the inhabitants ? How many 
idolaters are there? Mahomedans, &c. ? i3. What is said of the 

missionaries, &c 



ASIA. 


279 


-186- 

Map No. 23.—How is Asia bounded ? Which is the largest city 
and river ? 


Siberia.Bounded ?—Capital ? 

Tartary .... Bounded ?—Capital ? 
Turkey .... Bounded ?—Capital ? 

Arabia.Bounded ?—Capital ? 

Persia.Bounded ?—Capital ? 

Afghanistan Bounded ?—Capital ? 
B^loochistan Bounded ?—Capital ? 
Hindoostan Bounded ?—Capital ? 


Birmah .... Bounded ?—Capital ? 

Siam.Bounded ?—Capital 7 

Anam.Bounded ?—Capital ? 

China.Bounded ?—Capital ? 

.Chinese Em. Bounded ?—Capital ? 

Thibet.Bounded ?—Capital ? 

Corea.Bounded?—Capital? 

Japan.Bounded ?—Capital ? 


Where is the sea of Kara? Kamtschatka? Ochotsk? Jesso? 
Japan? Yellow Sea? EasternS.? ChinaS.? Arabians.? Red S.? 
Dead S. ? Mediterranean S. ? Black S. ? Caspian S. ? Sea of Aral ? 

Where is the Gulf of Obe ? G. of the Lena ? G. of Anadir ? Ton- 
quin ? Siam ? Martaban ? Manar ? Cambay ? Cutch ? Ormus ? 
Persian Gulf ? Bay of Bengal ? Gulf of Oman ? 

Where is Bhering’s Strait? Strait of Matsmay ? Corea? Formo¬ 
sa ? Malacca ? Babelmandel ? 


Where is Cape Cevero Vostochnoi ? C. Chalagskoi ? East Cape ? 
Cape St. Thadeus ? C. Cambodia ? C. Romania ? C. Comorin ? C. 
Ras-al-Gat ? C. Isolette ? 


Where is the Obi River? The Yenisei? Lena? Amoor ? 
Hoang-Ho? Yang-tse-kiang ? Cambodia? Meinam? Salwen ? 
Irrawady ? Burrampooter or Brahmapootra ? Ganges ? Godavery ? 
Nerbuddah ? Indus ? Euphrates ? Don ? Volga ? Ural ? Amoo ? 
Sihon ? Cashgar ? 

Where are the Islands of Nova Zembla ? Kotelnoi I. ? New Si¬ 
beria ? Liaghoff I. ? Bhering’s Is. ? Aleutian Is. ? Kurile Is. ? 
Tchantar Is. ? Seghalien ? Jesso ? Niphon ? Sikoke ? Kiusiu ? 
Loochoo Is. ? Formoso ? Hainan ? Pulo Pinang I. ? Andaman 
Is. ? Nicobar Is. ? Ceylon ? Laccadive Is. ? Maidive Is. ? Cyprus ? 

Where is Balcash Lai"' 7 Zaizan Nor? Altyn L. ? Baikal? 
Poyang L. ? Touting L. ? Koko Nor ? L. Zurrah ? Ooroomiah L ? 

Where are the Ural Mountains? Little Altai? Great Altai ? 
Taurus Mts. ? Mt. Sinai ? Rarnleah ? Mt. Ararat ? Caucasus ? 
Elborz ? Hindoo Koosh ? Ghaut ? Beloor ? Thsoung-ling ? Thian- 
chan ? Kuen-lun ? Peling ? Meling ? 

Where is the Peninsula of Kamtschatka? Corea? Malacca? 
Hindoostan ? Arabia ? What two seas form the western part of 
Turkey into a peninsula ? What seas and gulf form Arabia into a 
peninsula ? Where is the isthmus of Suez ? Of Kraw ? 

Where is the Desert of Cobi ? Of Akhaf ? Great Salt Desert ? 
Great Sandy Desert ? 

In what latitude is Asia ? In what longitude ? In which Zone it 
Che northern part ? The centre ? Southern ? 














280 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


-187- 

ASIATIC RUSSIA. 

1. Asiatic Russia is an immense region stretching from 
the Ural Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. It comprises 
Siberia, the countries situated between the Ural and the 
Volga rivers, and the Caspian and Black seas; the last of 
which is called Caucasian Russia. 

SIBERIA. 

2. Siberia contains nearly a third part of Asia, and is 
mostly a cold, dreary region, occupied by extensive plains 
called steppes. Some of its southern districts are, however, 
rich and fertile. 

3. Siberia serves as a place of banishment for convicts and 
prisoners of state. Some of the latter have been men of 
superior talents, and have been banished only for their virtues 
and adherence to liberal principles. 

4. The Ural and Altay Mountains contain numerous mines, which 
famish gold, silver, platina, and different kinds of precious stones. 
Fur-bearing animals abound in Siberia, the skins of which form one 
of the chief articles of its trade. The original inhabitants are com 
posed of various barbarous tribes, who live by hunting and fishing. 

5. Tobolsk, the capital of Siberia, is on the river Irtysh, at its junc¬ 
tion with the Tobol. All the commerce of the country passes through 
tills city, and large caravans of merchants trade between it and Kho- 
kan, in Tartary. Irkoutsk, Tomsk, Yakoutsk, and Ochotsk, are the 
next important towns. Kiachta is the only place at which the trade 
with China is permitted. 

6. The country lying between the Vol^a and Ural rivers contains 
the cities of Astrachan and Orenburg: tne former derives its chief 
wealth from its sturgeon fisheries; it has also an extensive trade with 
the interior of Russia. Orenburg carries on a great trade by caravans 
with Khokan, Bucharia, Khiva, and other Tartar cities. 

CAUCASIAN RUSSIA. 

7. This country lies between the Black and Caspian seas, 
and on both sides of the Caucasus Mountains. It is a rough 
and rugged region, but contains many fertile districts, peopled 

Asiatic Russia. Q.—1. Whf»t is Asiatic Russia ? 2. Describe Si¬ 
beria. 3. What is said of convicts, <fcc. ? 4. What is said of the Ural 
Sad Altay mountains ? 5. Describe Tobolsk, &c. 6. Astrachan, &c 

• Caucasian Russia. Describe the country. 8. The Circassian* 





ASIATIC RUSSIA. 


281 



Circassians looking down from their mountains upon a Russian camp. 


by various races, who are almost wholly engaged in war 
and plundering. 

8. The Circassians inhabit the northern, and the Georgians the 
southern side of the mountains; the former maintain almost continual 
war with the Russians, who have long endeavoured to conquer them, 
but hitherto ineffectually. 

9. The men are celebrated for their activity and valour, and the 
women for their beauty and elegance of form. Many of the latter 
were formerly sold by their parents as slaves to traders, who carried 
them to Turkey, Persia, and other countries, where they were pur¬ 
chased by the wealthy classes; but the Russians nave abolished this 
barbarous traffic. 

10. Teflis, on the river Kur, is the capital of Georgia; it has a 
strong castle, and is the residence of the Russian governor. Derbent 
and Kisliar are towns of some importance. 

Map No. 23.—What bounds Siberia on the north ? A.-On.—South ? 
A.-Ms.—East ? S.-Ka.—What great rivers flow into the Arctic Ocean? 
Oe., Ye., La.—How long is each of these ? Which is the most north¬ 
ern cape of Siberia ? C.-Vi.—Eastern? Et.—Southern? La.—What 
strait between Siberia and North America ? Bs. — How wide is it ? 
What lakes are in Siberia ? Bl., Ty. — How long are they ? Whal 
peninsula lies east of the sea of Ochotsk ? Ka. —What tribes are in 
Siberia? Ss., Os., Ts., Bs., Ys., Ks., Ti.—What is the population of 
Tobolsk ? Irkoutsk ? Tomsk ? Barnaule ? Omsk ? On what 
rivers are these towns ? 


t Describe the men. The women. 10. Teflis. Derbent Kisliar. 

2L 













‘282 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


What rivers flow into the Caspian sea ? Va., Ul. t Kr. — How long 
are the two first ? What Mts. separate Circassia and Georgia ? 
Cs.—What countries bound Georgia on the south ? Ty., Pa.—What 
is the population of Orenburg ? Astrachan? Derbent? Teflis ? 

-188- 

TURKEY IN ASIA. 

1 . Turkey in Asia extends over some of the finest regions 
of that continent. It contained in ancient times a number of 
populous, flourishing, and important states; but ignorance, 
superstition, and barbarism, now cover the land; and few 
traces of its former civilization remain, except ruins. 

2. The islands of the Archipelago, once celebrated for their wealth 
and prosperity, are now reduced to a more complete state of barbarism, 
than even the continent. The principal of those still under the con 
trol of the Turks, are Rhodes, Samos, Scio, and Metelin. 

3. Smyrna, on a gulf of the same name, is the chief emporium of 
Asiatic Turkey. Carpets, rags for paper, opium, figs, &c., are the 
chief exports. About 2000 Europeans, principally French, reside here, 
and form a society among themselves. 

4. Trebisonde, on the Black sea, is now the chief emporium in that 
quarter; Persia is supplied thence with European goods. Brusa, Erze- 
rum, and Diarbekir, in the interior, Bagdad, on the Tigris, and Bus- 
sorah, on the Euphrates, are all important cities. On the west bank 
of the Euphrates are the vast, but shapeless, ruins of Babylon, the most 
splendid city of ancient times; whose walls, towers, and gates, were 
esteemed one of the wonders of the world. 

SYRIA. 

5. Syria has long formed one of the chief divisions of the 
Turkish empire. It was conquered in the year 1832, by the 
Pacha of Egypt; but in 1840, several of the great European 
powers assisted the Turks to reconquer it. 

6. No country was anciently more celebrated than Syria. In the 
south was the country of the Israelites, and the birth-place of the 
Christian religion. Tyre and Sidon were renowned for their com¬ 
merce ; and Damascus and Antioch for their wealth and population. 
Baalbec and Palmyra, once splendid cities, are now in ruins. 

7. Damascus, the capital of Syria, is one of the oldest places in the 
world ; and is known to have existed in the days of Abraham. It is 
the most flourishing city in Syria, and carries on an extensive trade. 
Aleppo was the finest city in Syria. In 1822, it was nearly all de 
stroyed by an earthquake; but is now slowly reviving. Tripoli and 
Beyrout, on the Mediterranean, are places possessing some trade. 


Turkey , Sfc. Q.—1. Describe Turkey in Asia. 2. The islands of 
the Archipelago. 3. Smyrna. 4. Trebisonde, Ac. 5. What diu 





PALESTINE. 


283 



Christ and his Disciples on the Mount of Olives. 


PALESTINE. 

8. Palestine, or the Holy Land, occupies the south-east¬ 
ernmost part of Syria. It is the most celebrated country in 
the world; and remarkable for being the scene of most of the 
events recorded in the sacred scriptures. 

9. The surface is diversified with mountains and valleys. Of the 
former, Lebanon has been long noted for its tall cedars; Pisgah, for 
the view it gave Moses of the Promised Land; Tabor, for the trans¬ 
figuration of Christ; and the Mount of Olives, for being the scene of 
the ascension of the Saviour to heaven. 

10. Jerusalem, the once famous capital of the Jewish nation, where 
David and Solomon reigned, and which was so often the resort of 
Christ and his disciples, is now a gloomy, mean town, owing its chief 
support to the veneration in which it is held by Christians, Jews, and 
Mahomedans, which still procures it the visits of many pious pilgrims. 

11. Bethlehem, six miles south of Jerusalem, is remarkable for being 
the birth-place of our Saviour. Nazareth, where he resided until he 
commenced his ministry, is, next to Jerusalem, the most holy place in 
Palestine. Gaza, Joppa, and Acre, are the principal towns on the coast. 


Map No. 23.—How is Turkey bounded ? What river flows into the 
Persian Gulf? Es.—What flows into the Euphrates? Ts. — How 


Syria form ? 6. What is said of the country ? 7. Damascus ? 8 

Describe Palestine. The surface. Mountains, &c. Jerusalem. Beth 
lehem Nazareth, &c. 



















284 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


long are these rivers ? What Mts. lie north of the Mediterranean 
sea ? Ts. — How high are they ? What Mt. in the N. E. ? At. — 
What is the population of Smyrna ? Erzerum ? Brusa ? Trebisonde 7 
Bussorah ? Diarbekir ? Mosul ? Bagdad ? How is Syria bounded 7 
What is the population of Damascus ? Aleppo ? Damascus and Aleppo 
are each 60 miles east of the Mediterranean, and Jerusalem 40. 

Map No. 24. —What sea bounds Palestine on the west ? Mn. — 
What river flows into the Dead sea? Jn. — How long is it? The 
Dead sea ? What is the population of Jerusalem ? The other towns. 

-189- 



Bedouins attacking a Caravan. 


ARABIA. 

1. Arabia is a large peninsula, consisting of sandy deserts, 
interspersed with fertile spots, like islands in the ocean; these, 
when cultivated, yield various fruits and other products. 

* 2. It comprises several divisions; the principal are Mecca, 
r the Hedjaz, Nedsjed, the country of the Wahabees, and 
he Imamats of Yemen and Oman. Nearly all the western 
coast was, for a time, governed by the Pacha of Egypt; but 
in 1840 he transferred his authority to Turkey. 

3. The inhabitants are principally Arabs, with some Turkish, Jew¬ 
ish, and Hindoo merchants in the towns. The people of the desert are 
called Bedouins; they live in tents, lead a wandering life, and keep 


Arabia. Q. — l. What is said of Arabia, &c.? 2. The Arabian 





























ARABIA. 


285 


large herds of horses and camels. They are often hospitable and 
courteous to those who trust and Visit them; but generally attack and 
rob the caravans that pass through their country. 

4. The Arabs are of a brown complexion, thin and spare in person, 
but vigorous and active. They are temperate, from necessity, but when 
opportunity offers they compensate for their usual meagre fare. 

5. The Arab horses are the finest in the world, and celebrated for 
their swiftness. The most useful animal is the camel: it will travel 
for several days without water, carrying a . burthen of 600 or 700 
pounds. Coffee, dates, senna-leaves, indigo, and pearls, are the chief 
products. The last are obtained on the coast of the Persian Gulf. 

6. Mecca, the birth-place of Mahomed, is the holy city of Mahom 
edans, which every one of that sect is expected to visit once in his life¬ 
time. It is supported by the pilgrims who resort thither every year. 

7. Medina is, like Mecca, considered a holy city: it is celebrated for 
the tomb of Mahomed. Jidda is the port of Mecca, and Yambo that 
of Medina. Sana, the capital of Yenem, is situated in the midst of one 
of the most fertile districts in Arabia. 

d. Mocha is the chief sea-port on the Red sea; and is the seat of the 
coffee-trade Aden was once a noted city; it subsequently declined, 
but is now regaining some importance. It belongs to the East India 
Company, who have made it a station for their steam-ships. 

9. Makulla and Keshin are small towns, possessing a limited share 
of commerce. Muscat, the capital of Oman, is a general depot for the 
merchandise of India and Persia. Its commerce is extensive. 

10. The Imam, or chief, of Oman has several ships of war; and his 
subjects are the best native sailors in the east. Besides his territory 
in Arabia, he possesses Zanzibar and other islands on the coast of 
Africa, as well as some in the Persian Gulf. 

11. Petra, situated northward of the Red sea, is remarkable for its 
temples, tombs, &c., cut out of the solid rock. It was the capital of 
Edom more than 2500 years ago, and was a celebrated city. Its 
ancient renown, and singular remains, cause it to be often visited. 

Map No. 23.—What country bounds Arabia on the north? Ty.~ 
South? A.-Sa. —East? P.-Gf, G.-On.—West? R.-Sa. —What isth 
mus joins Arabia to Africa ? Sz. —What Mts. in Arabia ? Si., Rh. — 
Desert between Yemen and Oman ? Af. —What divisions lie on tin 
Red sea ? Hz., Yn. — The Arabian sea ? Ht., On. — Persian Gulf ? 
La. — How long is the Red sea? Persian Gulf? What is the 
population of Muscat ? Sana ? Mocha ? M!ecca ? Medina ? Jidda 1 
Yambo ? In what part of Arabia are these places situated ? Between 
what seas is Petra situated ? Rd., Dd. 


states ? 3. Inhabitants ? Bedouins ? 4. Arabs, &c ? 5. Describe the 
horses. Camels. Chief products. 6. What is said of Mecca? 7 
Medina? 8. Mocha, &c. ? 9. Makulla, &c ? 10. The Imam? 11. Petra/ 




286 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


190 



Teheran, the Capital of Persia. 


PERSIA, AFGHANISTAN, &c. 

1. Persia was, in early times, one of the most powerful 
empires in Asia; but the imbecility of the government, and 
the disastrous civil and foreign wars, have diminished its 
importance. 

2. A large portion of the country consists of rocky moun¬ 
tains, sandy deserts, and valleys nearly destitute of run¬ 
ning streams; but along the shores of the Caspian sea the 
soil is rich and fertile. 

3. The population comprises two classes, the people of the towns 
and the pastoral tribes, or Iliyats. Like the Arabs, the latter wander 
about with their flocks and herds, and often commit depredations on 
the settled inhabitants. 

4. Silk, cotton, wheat, rice, tobacco, rhubarb, and assafcetida, are the 
chief products. The manufactures were formerly more important than 
at present; they consist of carpets, shawls, silk goods, guns, swords, Sec 
The foreign commerce is inconsiderable, and is chiefly carried on bj 
Europeans. 

5. The Persians are a handsome people, and, like the Turks, are 
inveterate smokers. They are the most learned of the Oriental nations, 
and are fond of reciting the verses, and quoting the maxims, of their 
chief poets. They are also polite and lively in their manners, skil¬ 
ful in the use of flattery and dissimulation; and are said to be insin 
cere and intriguing. 


Persia. Q. — 1. What is said of Persia? 2. The country? 3. 
Population ? 4. Products ? Manufactures ? Commerce ? 5. What 

is said of the Persians? Their manners, &c.? 6. Teheran? 7, 














AFGHANISTAN, BELOOCIIISTAN. 


287 


6. Teheran, the capital of Persia, is 70 miles south of the Caspian 
sea; it is a modern-built city, inhabited by the king, his court, and 
army, only during the winter months. The population, in conse 
quence, fluctuates from 10,000 to 60,000. 

7. Ispahan, the ancient capital, is 220 miles southward of Teheran 
it ranked once among the most splendid cities in the east. Though a 
great part of it is in ruins, it is still a place of importance, with an 
extensive trade, and considerable manufactures. Shiraz is celebrated 
for its delightful climate, and beautiful environs. Reshd is the chief 
port on the Caspian sea, and Bushire on the Persian Gulf. Tabreez 
Meshid, Yezd, Balfrush, and Kerman, are important cities. 

8. Afghanistan. — The country lying between Persia 
and Hindoostan was once a part of the Persian Empire, ll 
is now divided into the separate territories of Afghanistan 
and Beloochistan. 

9. The inhabitants are called Afghans; they are bold and warlike, 
and, in the late expulsion of the British from their country, displayed 
an energy not usual with Asiatics in recent times. 

10. The population, as in Persia, consists of the inhabitants of the 
towns and the pastoral tribes : the latter are a simple and hospitable 
race. They enjoy a considerable share of political freedom, the power 
of the chiefs being limited by the representatives of the people. 

11. Cabul, the capital, is on the Cabul river, a branch of the Indus; 
it enjoys a fine climate, and is surrounded by a fertile country. The 
next important towns are Peshawur, on the Cabul, and Candahar and 
Ghiznee, on the Helmund. Herat is the capital of a small independent 
state. Its manufactures and commerce are important. 

12. Beloochistan. —Beloochistan is inhabited by a number of small 
independent tribes, of whom the Belooches are the chief. They are 
mostly of warlike habits, and often make plundering incursions upon 
each other. Kelat, the principal town, is the residence of a chief, or 
Khan, to whom several of the tribes are subject. 

Map No. 23.—How is Persia bounded ? What river separates it from 
Tartary? Ak.—From Turkey? Ts., Es.—What sea on the north? 
Cn.—Gulf on the south ? Pn.—What Mts. extend across Persia ? Ez 
—What desert south of the Elborz Mts. ? G.-St.—What is the popula 
tion of Teheran? Ispahan? Tabreez? Reshd? Meshid? Yezd? 
Shiraz? Kerman? What bounds Afghanistan on the north? H.-K.-Ms 
—South? Bn.—East? I.-Rr.—West? Pa.—What lake? Zh.—What 
river flows into it ? Hd. —What is the population of Cabul ? Canda¬ 
har ? Herat ? Peshawur ? What bounds Beloochistan on the north ' 
An.—South? A.-Sa.—East? I.-Rr.—West? Pa.—What is th§ popu 
lation of Kelat ? Gundava ? 


Ispahan ? Shiraz, &c. ? 8. The country between Persia, &c. ? 9. 

The Afghans? 10. The population ? 11. Cabul? 12 Beloochistan? 




288 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 




Tartar Caravan. 


TARTARY. 

1. Tartary comprehends all the central part of Asia, 
stretching from the Caspian sea to the Pacific Ocean. Its 
great divisions are Independent Tartary, and Chinese Tartary. 

2. Independent Tartary includes several small Mahomedan 
states, which are governed by princes called Khans. Chinese 
Tartary is annexed to the Chinese Empire, and has for the 
most part adopted the worship of the Grand Lama. 

3. The inhabitants comprise several distinct races. Those of Inde¬ 
pendent Tartary and Little Bokhara are similar to the Turks. The 
people of Soongaria, or the Kalmucks, and those of Mongolia, called 
Mongols, are the true Tartars. The Mantchoos, or people of Mant- 
chooria, differ in some respects from all the others. 

INDEPENDENT TARTARY, OR TURKISTAN. 

4. Independent Tartary lies eastward of the Caspian 
sea. It comprises the Kirguis country and Turcomania, with 
the states of Khokan, Khiva, Bokhara, and Koondooz. 

5. The four last are inhabited by an industrious people, engaged in 
agriculture and trade. The Usbecks are the dominant race, and hence 

Tartary. Q.—1. What does Tartary comprehend ? 2. Independen* 
Tartary include? Chinese Tartary ? 3. What is said of the inhabit- 

Mits? i. Describe Independent Tartary. 5 Its states. 6. What is 














TARTARY. 2S9 

the country is sometimes called Usbeck Tartar/. The rest of the in 
habitants are called Taujiks. 

6. An extensive commerce is carried on between these states and 
Persia, Hindoostan, China, and Russia. The caravans proceed in 
large bodies, and are well armed; consisting sometimes of several 
thousand men, horses, and camels. 

7. The principal cities are Bokhara, Khokan, Tashkent, Khiva, and 
Samarcand. Bokhara, the capital of the territory of the same name, 
is the chief seat of Mahomedan learning in this quarter, and is visrted 
by a great number of students. Khiva is rather an encampment, than 
a town ; it is the principal slave-market in Tartary. Samarcand, 
once the most renowned city in Asia, is now nearly all in ruins. 

8. The Kirguis and Turcomans raise large numbers of horses anc 
camels, and wander about from place to place. The Turcomans often 
carry away the inhabitants from the frontier Persian villages, and sell 
them for slaves in the markets of Khiva and Bokhara. 

CHINESE TARTARY. 

9. Chinese Tartary comprises Little Bokhara, Soon* 
garia, Mongolia, and Mantchooria. It is chiefly an ele¬ 
vated plain, bounded by ranges of lofty mountains. 

10. The whole territory appears to be better suited to grazing than 
agriculture, and is inhabited principally by roving tribes, who live in 
tents, and raise great numbers of horses. 

11. Little Bokhara and Soongaria are the best-settled and most 
fertile divisions in the eastern part of this territory. The chief towns 
are Goulja, Yarkand, and Cashgar. 

12. Mantchooria is watered by the river Amoor; it contains several 
cities and towns, and a stationary population in some parts. Chin 
Yang is the chief city in the district which adjoins China. 


Map No. 23. — How is Independent Tartary bounded ? What sea 
on the west ? Cn. — In the centre ? Al. — How long are these ? 
What rivers flow into the Caspian sea ? Ul., Ak. — The sea of Aral ? 
Sn., Ao. — How long are these rivers ? What Mts. in the country ? 
H.-Ko., Br., L.-Ay.—What is the population of Tashkent? Bok¬ 
hara? Khokan ? Samarcand ? 

How is Chinese Tartary bounded ? What are its chief Mts. ? 
L.-Ay., Br., Tg., Tn., G.-Ay., Kn. — How high are the three last ? 
Which are the principal lakes ? Bh., Zr., Lr. — Principal rivers ? Cr., 
Ih., Sa., Ar., Si., Ui. —What desert in the south ? Ci. — How long 
is it? What is the population of Goulja ? Cashgar ? Yarkand ? 


said of commerce ? 7. The cities, &c. ? 8. The Kirguis and Turco- 

mans? 9. Chinese Tartary? 10. For what is it suited? 11. De 
6cribe Little Buchacia and Soongaria. 12. Mantchooria. 

2 M 





290 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 



INDIA. 

1. India has been always celebrated for its fertility, and 
for its valuable products. It comprises the two peninsulas 
which form the southern part of Asia: the western one is 
called Hindoostan, and the other Chin-India, or Farther India. 

2. Both these peninsulas are remarkable for the number 
and size of their rivers, whose waters and inundations, united 
with the heat of the climate, make them the most productive 
countries on earth. The term East Indies is used frequently 
for the whole of south-eastern Asia and China. 

3. The elephant here attains his greatest bulk and perfection; and 
has been rendered useful from the earliest times. White elephants 
though sometimes met with, are rare. In Birmah and Siam they are 
believed to contain the spirit of some departed monarch, as such, they 
have the title of a king; and when taken abroad, the people are 
obliged to prostrate themselves as before their actual sovereign. 

HINDOOSTAN. 

4. Hindoostan is one of the most remarkable countries 
in the east. Its singular customs, and rich productions, have 
attracted attention from the earliest periods. 


India. Q.--1. For what has India been celebrated? 2. What is 
said of the peninsulas? 3. The elephant? White elephant? 












INDIA. 


291 

5. The climate of the chief part of Hindoostan is that of 
the torrid zone, which among the mountains is rendered tem¬ 
perate by elevation. With the exception of a few sandy 
desert tracts, the soil is generally fertile. 

6. The agriculture is imperfect, yet the produce is abun¬ 
dant. Rice is the chief article of food, but other grains are 
cultivated. Cotton, silk, sugar, opium, and indigo, are all 
extensively produced; also, coffee, pepper, cinnamon, &c. 

7. The cotton manufactures have been long' celebrated for their fine¬ 
ness and beauty. Silk is an important manufacture; and the shawls 
of Cashmere are unrivalled. The Hindoos excel in working gold and 
silver; and in cutting, polishing, and setting precious stones. 

8. The inland trade is carried on by Banians, or Hindoo merchants, 
Armenians, and Parsees. The foreign commerce is in the hands of 
the English, Americans, &c. This country produces the finest dia¬ 
monds in the world ; for, though those of Brazil are of greater size, the 
diamonds of Golconda are superior in hardness and brilliancy. Gold, 
iron, tin, and zinc, are among the minerals. 

9. The Hindoos vary in complexion from dark brown almost to 
white, with straight hair, and pleasing features. They are an indolent 
and spiritless race, excessively superstitious; and are described as 
being nearly destitute of moral honesty. 

10. They are divided into four castes, or classes:—1. The Bramins 
or priests. 2. The Rajah-pootras, or soldiers. 3. Vaisyas, or mer¬ 
chants and farmers. 4. The Sudras, or labourers. These castes are 
forbidden to intermarry, or even to eat or drink together; and every 
succeeding generation must belong to the same class as their parents. 

11. The religion of the Hindoos is a degrading system of paganism. 
Bramah is the supreme deity, and there are many millions of inferior 
divinities. They also worship the river Ganges, the cow, ape, and 
other animals. There are likewise in Hindoostan a number of Mahom- 
edans, with some Christians, both native and European, and Jews. 

12. Hindoostan is chiefly under the control of the British East India 
company. Its territory contains a population of about 83 millions, 
the tributary states 41 millions; total of the company’s subjects 124 
millions. To this must be added a million for Ceylon, which belongs 
to the crown. Total of British India, 125 millions. Of this vast mul¬ 
titude, the Europeans do not exceed 50,000. The independent states 
contain about 15 million inhabitants. 


4. What is said of Hindoostan ? 5. The climate ? 6. Agriculture ? 
7. Cotton manufactures, &c. ? 8. Inland trade ? Foreign commerce ? 
Of diamonds ? 9. Describe the Hindoos 10. How are they divided ? 
II. Of religion? 12. What is said of the British East India Com- 



DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


292 

13. Great efforts are made by various missionary societies for intro¬ 
ducing Christianity into India. Many of the natives have renounce/ 
their false gods; and some have even become missionaries. 


193 --_ 



View in Calcutta. 


14. British India. —British India comprises three Presiden¬ 
cies;—1, Bengal and Agra; 2, Bombay; 3, Madras. The 
whole is governed by the President of the first named: he is 
called the Governor-General of India, and has extensive 
powers. The supreme authority, however, rests in the Court 
of Directors of the East India Company in London. 

15. The chief tributary princes are the Nizam, and the Nabobs 
of Oude, Berar and Mysore. These rulers are mere vassals, being 
wholly under British direction and control. The Gwickwar and other 
protected princes have a nominal independence. Scindia is the ruler 
of an independent state in the interior. Lahore, or the Punjaub, the 
country of the Seiks, and Sinde, have been lately annexed to British 
India. 

16. Calcutta, the capital of British India, is on the Hoogly branch 
of the Ganges, 100 miles from the sea: it comprises two divisions. 
Chouringee, inhabited by the English, is a city of palaces; while the 
Black Town, inhabited by the Hindoos, is an assemblage of huts. 

17 Bombay, the capital of Western British India, is noted for its 
commerce and ship-building. Madras, the capital of southern British 
In<v£ is situated on a flat sandy shore, and has no harbour. It pre¬ 
sent a fine appearance from the sea. 

Hyderabad, south of the Godavery river, is the capital of the 
Nizam; Nagpore, of Beiar; Lucknow, of Oude; Mysore, of the state 


panyf 13. Of missionary societies? 14. What does British India 
comprise ? What is said of the government ? 15. The native princes ? 
The Gwickwar, Scindia, &c. ? 16. Describe Calcutta. 17. Bombay 






















INDIA. 


293 


of that name; Baroda of the Gwickwar; Lahore, of the Punjaub; and 
Gwalior, of Scindia’s dominions. Umritsir is the holy city of the 
Seiks. Cashmere has long been noted for its splendid shawls. 

19. Benares is the most populous place in India: it is also the sacred 
city of the Hindoos. Agra is noted for the Taje Mahal, the most 
splendid tomb in the world; Seringapatam for the tomb of Hyder Ali. 

lhi was the Mogul, and Poonah the Mahratta capital. Surat was 

g renowed for its commerce; Oojcin as the first meridian of the 

indoo geographers, and Dacca for its fine muslins. Pondicherry is 
he capital of the French, and Goa of the Portuguese Indian dominions. 

20. Ceylon is a beautiful fertile island, belonging to the British 
crown, and independent of the East India company. It is noted for 
producing the finest cinnamon in the world, and for its pearl-fisheries. 
Columbo is the chief city. 

21. The Coralline isles comprise the Laccadive and Maidive groups. 
They lie west and south-west from Hindoostan. Though numerous, 
they are small in extent; and produce cocoa-nuts in considerable 
abundance. The inhabitants of the Laccadives are called Moplays. 

Map No. 23.—How is Hindoostan bounded ? What rivers flow into 
the Arabian Sea ? Is., Nh. — The bay of Bengal ? Gs., Br., Gy., Ka. 
— How long are these ? What Mts. are in the north-east ? Hh. — 
Sonth-west ? Gt. — How long and high are the first ? What island 
south of Hindoostan ? Cn. — How long and wide is it? What gulf 
separates it from Hindoostan ? Mr. —What islands west and south¬ 
west of Hindoostan ? Ce.-Is. —What is the population of Benares ? 
Calcutta ? Surat ? Delhi ? Lucknow ? Patna ? Madras ? Bombay, and 
the other large cities? Point out the capitals named in the text? 
What is the south-east coast of Hindoostan called ? Cl. — The south¬ 
west ? Mr. — On what rivers are the principal cities ? 

-194- 

CHIN INDIA, OR FARTHER INDIA. 

1. Chin India lies south of Thibet and China. The em¬ 
pires of Birmah and Anam, the kingdom of Siam, and the 
British territories, are its chief divisions. It is a well-watered, 
fertile region, with productions nearly similar to those of Hin¬ 
doostan. 

2. Nearly all its inhabitants profess the religion of Buddha, 
or Guadama. Some of their temples are very large, and ace 
gaudily ornamented with gilding, painting, &c. The war-boats 

&c. 18. What is said of Hyderabad, Nagpore, &c, ? 19. Benares, 
Agra, &c. ? 20. Describe Ceylon. 21. The Coralline Isles. 

Chin India. Q.—1. Describe Chin India. 2. The inhabitants. The 






294 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY, 



Birman Temples and War-Boats. 


of these nations, particularly those of the Birmans, are often 
100 feet long, but are very narrow. They carry from 80 to 
100 men each, with a small cannon at the prow. 

3. The governments of Chin India are absolute despotisms: the 
nobles are profoundly submissive to their sovereign, and creep on their 
hands and knees when they approach him. The morals of the people 
are in a low state; the women are little better than slaves; they pen- 
form the principal part of the labour, and in Anam they conduct all 
the operations of buying and selling. 


4. Extent and Population of Chin India. 


Square Miles. Inhabitants. 


Square Miles. Inhabitant* 


Anam. 


9,000,000 l| 

British territories . 

,. 77,000 

Birmah .. 


5,350,000 

Malacca. 


Siam. 


3,800,000 

Total, 

920,000 


1,400,000 

450,000 

20,000,000 


5. Birmah. —The Birman. Empire was founded about the 
middle of the last century, by the conquest of Pegu and soma 
other territories. It was for a time a powerful state, but has 
lately lost its pre-eminence. 

6. Ummerapoora and Ava were successively the capitals of Birmah. 
Monchaboo is now the seat of government; Rangoon is the chief sea- 
port. These cities are all on the Irrawaddy river. 


temples. War-boats. 3. What i! said of the governments ? Nobles ? 
Morals, &c. ? Of the wome. ? 4. How many inhabitants has Chin 
India ? What is its extent in square miles ? Which is the largest 
division ? The most populous 1 5. When was the Birman Empire 
founded, &c. ? What is said of Ummerapoora, Ava, &c. ? 7. What 

























INDIA. 


295 

7. An am.—T his Empire is of recent origin, dating only 
from the beginning of the present century. It comprises 
Tonquin, Cochin China, Cambodia, and part of Laos. The 
late king of Cochin China, Caung Shung, aided by French 
officers, organized his army and navy in the European man¬ 
ner, and was thus enabled to conquer Tonquin and Cambodia. 

8. Hue, the capital of Anam, is on a small river 10 miles from the 
sea. It is a vast fortress in the European style—5 miles in circum- 
<erence, and would require 50,000 men to garrison it. Saigon, on the 
Donnai river, a branch of the Cambodia, is the chief sea-port of Anam, 
and its largest city. Kesho, in Tonquin, is an important town. 

9. Siam.— This kingdom lies between Birmah and Anam: 
it is highly fruitful in rice, sugar, and other products. The 
people are mild and courteous, but cunning and avaricious. 

10. Bankok, the capital, is on the Meinam: the houses are built 
partly on its banks, and partly on rafts in the river, which can be 
easily moved about from place to place. The latter are inhabited 
chiefly by Chinese emigrants. 

11. The British Possessions. — These territories com¬ 
prise Assam and Arracan, and a narrow district south of the 
Salwen river; also Pulo Pinang, or Prince of Wales Island, 
Wellesley, a small province on the main land, east of Pulo 
Pinang, the territory and town of Malacca, and the island and 
city of Singapore. The latter is an important city j it is a 
free port, and has an extensive commerce. 

12. Malacca. —The peninsula of Malacca is occupied by a number 
of small independent states, of which but little is known. The inhabit¬ 
ants are chiefly Mahomedans; they are called Malays, and are by turns 
merchants, pirates, and robbers. 

13. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands lie in the Bay of Bengal. 
The former are inhabited by a fierce Negro race, and the latter by a 
people similar to the Malays, but peaceable in their habits. 

Map No. 23.—How is Birmah bounded ? Siam ? Anam ? Malac¬ 
ca ? What rivers flow into the Gulf of Martaban ? Iy., Sn.—Gulf 
of Siam ? Mn.—China sea ? Ca.—How long are all these ? What 
isthmus connects Malacca with Siam ? Kw.—What strait separates 
it from Sumatra ? Ma.—Which is the south cape of Birmah ? Ns. 
—Of Malacca ? Ra.—Cambodia ? Ca.—What is the population of 
Bankok ? Ava ? Hue ? Saigon ? Ummerapoora ? Arracan ? Sin¬ 
gapore ? What islands west of Siam ? An. Nr.—The Nicobar Islands 
belong to Denmark: there are no Europeans on them at present. 

fts said of Anam ? The late king ? 8. Describe Hue. Saigon. 9. 

What is said of Siam ? 10. Bankok? 11. Describe the BritishPo* 

sessions. 12. Malacca. 13. Andaman and Nicobar Islands. 




296 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


195 



Group of Chinese. 

CHINESE EMPIRE. 


1. The Chinese Empire embraces China, Chinese Tartary, 
Corea, and Thibet. The inhabitants are estimated at 230 
millions, being the greatest number subject to any one go- 
verment. They consist principally of Chinese ,* but the ruling 
race, to which the Emperor belongs, is the Mantchoo, by 
whom China was conquered in 1644. 

CHINA PROPER. 

2. China comprises a territory about three-fourths the 
size of the United States. It is noted for the antiquity of its 
government, the singularity of its manners and customs, and 
for its reserved policy towards other nations. 

3. The soil and climate, from the great extent of country, 
are extremely various. The former is cultivated with the 
greatest care in every part: even the mountains and rocks 
are made to yield some useful product; yet the agriculture is 
less skilfully conducted than in Europe or the United States. 

4. Manufactures are numerous; and mrany of them have been car¬ 
ried by the Chinese to a state of considerable perfection. In fine 
porcelain or China ware, rich silks, and in ornamental works in ivory, 
mother of pearl, and tortoise shells, they excel. 

5. Foreign commerce has been hitherto carried on at Canton, chiefly 
with the English and Americans, in tea, silks, nankeens, articles of 

China. Q. —1. What does the Chinese Empire embrace? What is 
said of the people ? 2. What does China comprise ? For what is it 
noted ? 3. What is said of the soil ? 4. Manufactures ? 5. Foreign 

















CHINA. 297 

ivory, Ac. The export of tea alone to Great Britain and the United 
States is about 60 million pounds annually. 

6. In return, the Americans supply the Chinese with ginseng; the 
English supply them with opium. The latter is prohibited by law: 
it is smoked in a pipe, and is extremely pernicious to those who use it. 
Ginseng, though not prized with us, is regarded in China as a most 
valuable drug. 

7. The inland trade of China, by means of the numerous rivers 
and canals, is very extensive. The Grand, or Imperial Canal, is 600 
miles in length. It is said to have employed 30,000 men upwards 
of 40 years in its construction. 

8. The Great Wall which bounds China on the north is, probably 
the greatest work ever constructed. It is 1500 miles long, 24 feet 
high, and so thick that six horsemen can easily ride abreast upon it 
It was built 2000 years ago, as a defence against the Tartars. 

9. The chief beauty of the women in this country is thought to be 
the smallness of their feet, which are bound up from infancy to prevent 
their increasing in size. The shoes of a Chinese lady are about 4 inches 
long, and 2 wide. Women of the lower order do not compress the feet. 

10. The principal food of the Chinese is rice; but the poor eat rats, 
mice, and puppies, and any thing they can procure that will sustain 
life; yet they often suffer from famine^ Soups made of edible birds’- 
nests, sea-slug, and other gelatinous substances, are among the luxu¬ 
ries of the rich. Pork is the favourite animal food; sharks’ fins and 
fish maws are regarded as delicacies. 

11. Learning is highly esteemed by the Chinese. They have many 
books on various subjects, yet are very deficient in true literature and 
science. The Mandarins, or great officers, employed in the adminis¬ 
tration of the government, owe their rank and title to their skill in 
letters. They a^e divided into nine ranks, each of which is designated 
by a different coloured button on the top of the cap. 

12. The Chinese army amounts to 800,000 men; but their equip¬ 
ments and discipline are entirely different from ours. They wear 
paper helmets, wadded gowns, quilted petticoats, and clumsy satin 
boots. Their arms are bows and arrows, matchlock guns, and can¬ 
non without carriages. There are a number of armed junks employed 
by the government to suppress smuggling and piracy, but they are of 
little importance as a naval force. 

-196- 

13. The Chinese are distinguished for order, industry, and regular¬ 
ity ; but their treatment of females, worshipping of idols, and general 
disregard of truth, are circumstances which lower them in the scale 
of nations, and rank them below the least civilized Christian commu¬ 
nities. 

commerce ? 6. What is said of Americans ? English ? Opium ? 

Ginseng ? 7. Inland trade ? The Grand Canal ? 8. The Great 

Wall? 9. What is said of the women? 10. The food? 11. 
Learning? 12. The army? Arms? Armed junks? 13. Chinese? 
2N 





298 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 



Chinese Military. 


14. The religion of Fo or Buddha is professed by the chief part 
of the people; but the ’earned men worship the spirit of their great 
philosopher, Confucius. There are some Roman Catholics, Jews, and 
Mahomedans in China. 

15. The government is despotic, and is conducted with great form 
and ceremony. The Emperor is styled the Son of Heaven ; and when 
he goes abroad the houses and shops must be shut, and all that he 
meets must prostrate themselves on the ground. 

16. Pekin, the capital, is one of the largest cities in the world. It 
contains two distinct towns, the Chinese and Tartar : the former is the 
most elegant and populous; but the latter is adorned by the imperial 
palace and gardens. The shops are numerous : they are decorated with 
flags, paintings, and lanterns. The streets are immensely crowded, 
for the Chinese spend much of their time in the open air. 

17. Nankin, the ancient capital, is larger than Pekin; but it is now 
greatly decayed. It is noted for its porcelain tower, and its manufac¬ 
tures of nankeen. Canton was until lately the only port at which 
Europeans were allowed to trade and reside. Its commerce is very 
great. The boat town of Canton is composed of thousands of boats 
arranged in streets, and occupied by individuals, who live all their lives 
on the water. 

18. By the late treaty between China and Great Britain, the porta 
of Canton, Amoy, Foutchow, Ningpo, and Shanghtc, called the “ Free 
Ports,” are now open to Europeans and Americans. Shanghae is next 
to Canton for extent of commerce. Teentsin is the port of Pekin, and 
a great emporium for salt. 

19. Sootchow, Hongtchow, Kingtechmg, and Voutchang, are all 
populous cities, and situated in the midst of rich and fertile districts. 


14. Religion? 15. The Government? Emperor? 16. Describe 
Pekin. The shops. 17. Nankin. Canton. 18. What ports are now 
open to Europeans, &c. ? What is said of Shanghae ? Teentsin ? 
19. Sootchow, &c. ? Hongkong ? Victoria ? 20. Describe the Chi. 

nese islands ? 










THIBET. 299 

Hongkong, an island at the mouth of the river on which Canton stands* 
was ceded by China to the British. Victoria is the chief town. 

20. The principal Chinese islands are Hainan, Formosa, and the 
Loo-choo group. The first two are partly Chinese and partly indo- 
pendent. The native tribes of Formosa tattoo their bodies. The 
Loo-choo Islands lie about 450 miles east of China. The climate is 
fine, and the soil fertile: the inhabitants are friendly and hospitable; 
they speak the language of Japan, but are tributary to China. 


Map No. 23. — How is China bounded ? What sea between China 
and Corea? Yw.—What rivers flow into the Eastern sea? H.-Ho., 
Yg., H.-Kg. — How long are they? What islands east of China? 
Lo., Fa. — South? Hn. — How long are Formosa and Hainan? 
What Mts. in China ? Pg., Mg. — Lakes ? Tg., Pg., K.-Nr. — Popula* 
tion of Pekin? Canton? Teentsin? Nankin? Voutchang? Soufc. 
chow ? Hangtchow ? Kingteching ? On what rivers are the first 
five of the foregoing cities ? Point out the Free Ports. Hongkong. 

-197- 

THIBET, COREA, &c. 

1. Thibet is a cold, elevated region, bounded by ranges 
of the highest mountains on the globe; and some of the 
largest rivers on the eastern continent rise within its territory. 
Thibet, including Little Thibet, is tributary to China. 

2. The soil of Thibet is sterile, and vegetation is scanty; but the 
people possess large herds of cattle. The musk deer, grunting ox, 
and shawl goat, are some of the chief animals of this country; the 
latter furnishes the fine wool, of which the valuable shawls of Cash- 
mere are made. Both sheep and oxen are used as beasts of burden. 

3. Thibet is the chief seat of the religion of Buddha, called Fo in 
China, and Shamanism in Tartary. The Grand Lama is the head of 
this system, and is considered as the Creator himself dwelling in a 
human form; and when he dies, the divine spirit is supposed to pass 
into another body, known by certain signs to the priests only. 

4. Lassa is the religious capital of Central Asia, and the residence 
of the Chinese governor. Not far from the city, js the temple or palace 
of the Grand Lama; it is said to contain 10,000 rooms: the towers 
and obelisks of the building are covered with gold and silver, and 
there are innumerable images of Buddha of gold, silver, and other 
metals. This city is on a small branch of the Burrampooter river. 


Thibet and Corea. Q. — 1. What is Thibet ? 2. What is said of the 
soil ? Cattle ? 3. Religion ? Grand Lama ? 4. Describe Lassa. 






300 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY 



Palace of Teslioo Lomboo. 


5. Teshoo Lomboo is the seat of an inferior Lama, who resides in a 
large monastery, composed of 400 houses, encompassed by a high wall, 
Jigagungar is the most populous city in Thibet. 

6. Little Thibet lies bn the northern side of the Himmaleh Moun¬ 
tains, and is but little known. It is usually represented as subject to 
China; but some of its districts are said to be independent. Ladak, 
the chief town, is noted for its trade in shawl wool. 

7. Corea. —Corea is a peninsula, situated between China 
and Japan. The people have but little intercourse with any 
nation, except the Chinese and Japanese. 

8. This kingdom is ruled by a sovereign, who pays homage and 
tribute to China. The arts, learning, and written language of that 
country are in use in Corea; but the spoken language is different. 

9. For its latitude, the climate of Corea is mild. Cotton, rice, and 
hemp, are the staple products; tobacco is also cultivated. The potato 
was introduced only so lately as the year 1832. The inhabitants are 
of larger size than either the Chinese or Japanese. Among the domes¬ 
tic animals are a breed of horses only 3 feet in height. Kingkitao, 
the capital, is situated nearly in the centre of the country. 


Map No. 23.-How is Thibet bounded ? What rivers rise in it ? 

Br., Iy., Ca., Yg. — How long are these ? What Mts. on the north ? 
Kn. — South-west ? Hh. — How high are these ? What Mt. west 
of Lassa ? Ce. — How high is it ? What river in Little Thibet ? 
Is.—What town is on it? Lk. —What is the population of Jigagun¬ 
gar ? Of Lassa ? What sea bounds Corea on the west ? Yw. — 
East ? S. Jn. — How wide is the sea of Japan ? What country 
bounds Corea north ? Ma. —What sea south ? En. 


Lassa. 5. Teshoo Lomboo. 6. Little Thibet. Ladak. 7. What is 
said of Corea ? 8. The sovereign ? Arts, learning, fee. ? 9. Cli¬ 

mate ? Productions ? Inhabitants, &c. ? Kingkitao ? 








EMPIRE OF JAPAN. 


301 


-198- 

EMPIRE OF JAPAN. 

1. The empire of Japan comprises the islands of Niphon, 
Jesso, Kiusiu, and Sikoke, with the southernmost of the 
Kurile Islands. The people, like the Chinese, are jealous of 
Europeans; so that our knowledge of the country is limited. 

2. The soil is tilled with great care; the law enacting that 
every owner of land shall render it as productive as possible. 
Rice and tea are the chief staples, but sugar, tobacco, cotton, 
and wheat, are cultivated. Besides large plantations of the 
tea-plant, all the hedges are formed of it. 

3. The manufactures are numerous, and include silk, cot¬ 
ton, porcelain, and lackered or Japan ware, in which, and 
the working of metals, the Japanese excel. Gold, silver, and 
copper, are the principal minerals. 

4. The Japanese are one of the most civilized nations in Eastern 
Asia, and educate their children of both sexes with great care. 
Women hold a higher rank here than in China; they epjoy the same 
degree of liberty as in Europe. 

5. Foreigners are rigorously excluded from the empire, and none 
but the Chinese, Coreans, and Dutch, are permitted to have inter¬ 
course with it. The latter are subject to much indignity, yet submit 
to it for the sake of the trade. 

6. The worship of Buddha, of Confucius, and of spirits, or genii, 
prevails in Japan. The last is called the religion of Sinto. The 
government is absolute ; and there are two monarchs, the Kubo, and 
the Dairi. The former is the commander-in-chief of the army, and is 
the real sovereign; while the latter is the spiritual head of the empire. 
He lives retired, in his palace at Miaco, and seldom goes abroad: his 
person is regarded as sacred. 

7. The laws are severe, and are rigorously executed; but the secu¬ 
rity of person and property is thus rendered very complete. Great 
crimes and capital punishments are rare. Cutting to pieces, immeiv 
sion in boiling oil, and impalement on the cross, are common modes 
of punishment. The parent is made to suffer for the crimes of the 
child, and the child for those of the parent. 

8. Jedo, the capital, is on the east side of Niphon, and is one of the 
largest cities in the world. It is 7 miles long, and 5 wide; and con- 

Japan. Q. — 1. What does Japan comprise ? 2. What is said of 
the soil ? Products ? 3. Manufactures ? Gold, &c. ? 4. Japanese ? 
What is said of education ? Women ? 5. Foreigners ? 6. The worship 
of Buddha, &c. ? The government ? Monarchs ? 7, What is said 





DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


302 

tains many palaces of the great lords, who must reside here part of 
the year. The buildings, on account of the frequency of earthquakes, 
are of one and two stories only, and are constructed of bamboo 
covered with mortar. The city is subject to dreadful fires, one of 
which, in the year 1701, consumed 100,000 houses. 

9. Miaco is the religious capital of Japan ; it is also the centre of 
its learning and science. It contains some very large palaces and 
temples. One of the latter, Fokosi, is 1000 feet long; in it is an 
image of Buddha, 83 feet high. 

10. Osaca is, like Venice, intersected by canals. Nangasaki, in 
Kiusiu, is the only port at which foreigners are allowed to trade. Tire 
Dutch are here restricted to a small island, where they are allowed 
a space of only 600 feet long, by 120 wide, in which to carry on 
their business. Matsmay is the chief town on the island of Jesso. 


Map No. 23.—What strait separates Corea from Niphon, &c. ? Ca. 
—Which is the largest of the Japan Islands ? Nn. — The next in ex¬ 
tent ? Jo. — How long is each of these islands ? What strait separates 
Niphon and Jesso ? My. — What island lies north of Jesso ? Sn. — 
How long is Seghalien ? What channel separates it from Mantchoo- 
ria? Ty. — What islands north-east of Jesso ? Ke. — Which is tire 
largest of these ? Sn. —What bounds Japan east ? Pc. — How long 
and wide is the Pacific ocean ? How far from Japan to Mexico ? 
How many inhabitants has Jedo ? Miaco ? Osaca ? Matsmay ? 

-199- 

AFRICA. 

1. Africa is the third in size among the great divisions 
of the globe, being about one-third less than Asia, and three 
times larger than Europe. It is a vast peninsula, joined to 
Asia by the Isthmus of Suez. 

2. It is almost wholly in a state of barbarism; yet, in 
ancient times its northern countries were among the most 
enlightened in the world. They still have written languages, 
but rank among the lowest of the half-civilized nations. 

3. Africa is the hottest region on the globe. It lies mostly within 
the tropics; and the influence of its burning climate extends even 
to those regions which are in the temperate zones. The most striking 
feature is the Great Desert, which is 3000 miles in length, and 1000 
in breadth. It is covered with sand and gravel; and appears like the 
bottom of a dried-up sea. 


of the laws ? Cutting to pieces, &c. ? 8. Describe Jedo. 9. Mia-co. 

10. Osaca. Nangasaki. Matsmay. 

Africa. Q. — 1. What is said of Africa? 2. Of its state, &c.? 






AFRICA. 


303 



Africa. 


4. The rivers of Africa are few in number; and none are 
navigable to any extent for large vessels. The principal are 
the Nigei and the Nile. The latter is remarkable for flowing 
1600 miles without receiving a single tributary. 

5. The mountains are generally distinguished more for 
extent than elevation. The Atlas Mountains in Barbary, the 
Mountains of the Moon in central, and the Snow Mountains 
in southern Africa, are the principal. Other ranges, as the 
Crystal Mountains in Congo, and the Lupata Mountains on 
the east coast, are but little known. 

6. The principal African animals are the elephant, hippopotamus, 
camelopard or giraffe, and the two-horned rhinoceros, with the lion, 
leopard, zebra, &c. The African lion is the noblest animal of his 
race- those found elsewhere being much inferior in size and strength. 
The antelopes comprise not less than sixty different species: of these, 
t ie springbok is found in troops of several thousands. The camel in 
northern, and the ass in western Africa, are the chief beasts of buiden. 

7. The ostrich is the largest African bird, and the largest in the 
world. It runs with rapidity, but does not fly; and its feathers are 
used as ornaments of dress. The secretary vulture, or serpent-eater, 
is remarkable for devouring the most noxious of the serpent tribe. The 
sociable vulture is as large as the condor, and similar in its habits; it 


3. The climate? Great Desert? 4. Rivers? 5. Mountains? & 
Describe the animals. 7. Birds. S. Crocodiles, &c. 9. Wh&i is said 





















304 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 




African Lion. 


Springbok. 


is found among all the high mountains of the interior. The bustard 
and guinea-fowl, with grouse, partridges, and water-fowl of various 
kinds, are numerous. 

8. Crocodiles are found in all the rivers of the tropical parts of 
Africa; and serpents, scorpions, and lizards of various kinds, abound. 
The white ants are singular insects: they build nests 10 or 12 feet 
high, which are divided into apartments, with magazines for provi¬ 
sions, arched chambers, and galleries of communication. 

9. Africa has but few great kingdoms; it is chiefly divided into a 
number of petty states, whose governments are despotic. The agri¬ 
culture and manufactures are rude and imperfect; yet, owing to its 
fertility, the products of the soil are in many places very abundant. 

10. The chief trade of the interior is carried on by caravans, con- 
sisting of camels, which cross the desert in various directions; and 
perform, on this sea of sand, the business accomplished by ships on 
the ocean. Commerce, on the northern and western coasts, is carried 
on mostly by Europeans, and on the eastern by the Arabs. 

11. Africa has furnished slaves to Christian and other nations for 
hundreds of years; and the traffic, though somewhat checked, is still 
carried on. Great Britain and the United States were once engaged 
in this trade; but both nations have forbidden it; and it is punished 
as piracy by the latter power. The Spanish and Portuguese still pur¬ 
sue it on certain parts of the African coast. 

12. The people of Africa are estimated at almost 60 millions. They 
belong to two races, the African and Caucasian. The former are the 
most numerous, and comprise the chief part of the inhabitants south 


of its great kingdoms? Agriculture? Manufactures. 10. Trade 
of the interior? Commerce? 11. What is said of slaves? Great 
Britain and the United States ? 12. What number of inhabitants ? 

To what do they belong, &c.? 






AFRICA. 


305 


*f the Great Desert. They are nearly all pagans. The Moors, Arabs, 
Berbers, Egyptians, Abyssinians, Fellatas, &c., belong to the Cau¬ 
casian race. They are chiefly Mahomedans; and though superior to 
die African races, are still rude and barbarous. 

- 200 - 


Map No. 25. — How is Africa bounded ? 


Morocco ... Bounded ?—Capital ? 
Algiers .... Bounded ?—Capital ? 

Tunis.Bounded ?—Capital ? 

Tripoli.Bounded ?—Capital ? 

Egypt.Bounded ?—Capital ? 

Nubia.Bounded ?—Capital ? 

Abyssinia .. Bounded ?—Capital ? 
Liberia .... Bounded ?—Capital ? 


Ashantee... Bounded ?—Capital 
Dahomey .. Bounded?—Capital? 

Benin.Bonded ?—Capital ? 

Congo.Bounded ?—Capital ? 

Angola .... Bounded ?—Capital ? 
Benguela... Bounded ?—Capital ? 
Cape Colony Bounded ?—Capital ? 
Mozambique Bounded ?—Capital ? 


Where is the Gulf of Sidra? Gulf of Guinea? Gulf of Aden? 
Strait of Gibraltar ? Strait of Babelmandel ? Channel of Mozambique ? 

Where is Great Fish Bay ? Walwisch? Santa Cruz? St. Helena? 
Delagoa ? Bombetok ? Anton Gils ? Vohemaire ? 

Where is Cape Bon ? C. Guardafui ? C. Bassas ? C. Delgado ? 
C. Corrientes ? C. Agulhas ? C. of Good Hope ?* C. Cross ? C. 
Frio? C. Palmas? C. Verde ? C. Blanco? C. Bojador? C. Ambro? 
C. St. Mary ? 

Where is the River Nile? The Senegal? Gambia? Grande? 
St. Paul’s ? Niger ? Congo ? Ambriz ? Coanza ? Orange ? Manice ? 
Zambeze? Ozee? Webbe? Yeou? Shary? Misselad? 

Where are the Atlas Mountains ? Mts. of Kong ? Mts. of the 
Moon? Crystal Mts.? Lupata Mts.? Snow Mts.? Red Mts.? 
Radama Mts. ? 


Where are the Azores Islands ? Madeira Is. ? Canary Is. ? Cape 
Verde Is. ? Fernando Po I. ? Prince’s I. ? St. Thomas I. ? Anno- 
bon I. ? Ascension I. ? St. Helena ? Ethiopian Archipelago ? Mas- 
carenha Is. ? Mauritius I. ? Bourbon I. ? Seychelle Is. ? Almi- 
rante Is. ? Comoro Is. ? Monfia I. ? Zanzibar I. ? Pemba I. * 
Socotra I. ? 


Where is the Great Desert? Libyan Desert? Nubian Desert? 
Desert of Challaliengah ? This is called also the Karri Harri Desert. 

What three great circles pass through Africa? T.-Cr., Er., T.-Cn. 
— In what zones is Africa situated ? Td., Te. — In what zone is it 
mostly? Td. — Africa contains 37 degrees of north and 35 of south 
.atitude. In what latitude then is it mostly ? Nh. — It contains 50 
degrees oPeast and 18 of west longitude. In what longitude then is 
it chiefly ? Et. 

* Called, by way of distinction, the “Cape.” Seamen say of a ves- 
Cel bound to India or China, “ she has gone round the Cape.” 

20 













306 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


201 



Arab Families removing. 

BARBARY. 


1. Bareary is that part of northern Africa which includes 
Morocco, Algiers, Tunis, and Tripoli, together with the inte¬ 
rior region called Beled el Jerid, or Land of Dates. 

2. Some distance inland are the Atlas Mountains : between 
these and the coast the climate is mild, and the soil is gene¬ 
rally fertile, but poorly cultivated. Wheat and barley are 
the principal products; but grapes, olives, almonds, dates, 
and other fruits, are raised in perfection. 

8. The foreign commerce of the Barbary states is very 
limited, and much burdened with arbitrary exactions. The 
exports consist principally of the raw produce of the soil. 
The most active traffic is that carried on by the caravans 
with the interior country south of the Great Desert. 

4. Piracy was once the chief employment of the people 
of this region. Many vessels were captured, and numbers 
of European and American sailors were enslaved by them; 
but this practice, so long permitted to the disgrace of Chris¬ 
tendom, has ceased. 

5. Barbary is inhabited by several distinct races. The Moors, who 
are the ruling people, inhabit the towns. The Arabs, originally from 
the Great Desert, live in tents; and raise cattle and grain. In »e- 

Barbary. Q. — 1. What does Barbary include ? 2. What moun. 

tains in this country? What is said of the climate? Soil, &c 
Products ? 3. Commerce ? 4. Piracy ? 5. Describe the Moors. 6 








MOROCCO. 


30 ' 


moving from one spot to another, the women, children, &c., are carried 
on camels. The men, on horseback, drive the cattle; and are armed, 
ready to defend their property, or repel aggression. 

6. The Berbers and Shelluhs inhabit the Atlas Mountains, and live 
chiefly by hunting and agriculture. They belong to the Berber race, 
supposed to have been the first that inhabited this part of Africa. The 
Kabyles of Algiers, the Tuaricks of the Great Desert, and the people 
of Lower Nubia, are also of the same race. 

7. Jews are numerous in Barbary: they are much oppressed, but, 
being allowed to engage in trade, often become wealthy. There arc 
also some negroes, brought as slaves from Soudan, who are sometimes 
manumitted. In Morocco, the body-guard of the sultan is composed 
of negroes. 

8. Extent and Population of the Barbary States. 

Square Miles. Population. Pop. to 8^ M. 


Morocco. 

Algiers. 

Tunis. 

Tripoli. 

Beled el Jerid 


190,000 

6 , 000,000 

31.5 

90,000 

1 , 500,000 

16.6 

50,000 

1 , 000,000 

20 

100,000 

600,000 

6 

140,000 

900,000 

6.4 

570,000 

10 , 000,000 

17.5 



View of the Plain of Morocco, an^ the Atlas Mountains. 

THE EMPIRE OF MOROCCO. 


9. Morocco is the most important of the Barbary powers, 
ft includes the kingdoms of Morocco and Fez; and has also 
a nominal control over those of Suse and Tafdelt. The sul¬ 
tan or emperor is a despot, whose will is law. 

10. This empire is less flourishing than formerly: the acts of its 
government are calculated to discourage agriculture* and every branch 

Berbers, &c. ? 7. Jews, &c. 8. Which is the largest and most populous 
state in’Barbary? The next in extent? In population? 9. What 






















DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


308 

of useful industry; and its commerce is now almost destroyed. The 
only important manufacture is that of Morocco leather, which, owing 
probably to local circumstances, is superior to any made elsewhere. 

11. The city of Morocco, the capital, is situated in a fertile, thickly 
wooded plain, near the foot of the Atlas Mountains, 180 miles from 
the sea. It is enclosed by a wall, and is surrounded by numerous 
gardens. Fez, 230 miles nearly north of Morocco, is the largest city 
in the empire, and was for a time the most splendid of western Africa; 
it is now much decayed, and a great portion of it is in ruins. 

12. Mequinez is occasionally the residence of the sultan. Its in¬ 
habitants are the most civilized and humane of any in the empire. 
Mogadore, or Sweara, is the chief sea-port. Rabat is one of the most 
important towns on the coast. Sallee, almost adjoining it, was long 
noted for its piracies, but is now nearly deserted. Tangier and Ceuta 
sere towns situated on the Strait of Gibraltar. The first is the resi¬ 
dence of the foreign consuls; the other has belonged to Spain since 
the year 1640. 

Map No. 25. — What bounds Morocco lorth ? M.-Sa. — South ? 
G.-Dt. — East? As., B.-Jd., G.-Dt.—What strait separates it from 
Spain? Gr. — What islands west of Morocco? Ma., Cy. — W r hat 
Mts. extend through Morocco ? As. — The principal peak ? M.-Mn. 
— How high is it? Population of Morocco? Fez? Mequinez? 
Rabat ? Mogadore ? Santa Cruz ? How far from Morocco to Florida ? 

- 202 - 

THE COLONY OF ALGERIA, OR ALGIERS, &c. 

1. Algiers occupies the country of the ancient Numidia. 
Its inhabitants were once the most daring pirates in Barbary, 
and committed such depredations on the seas as rendered the 
name of Algerine a terror to southern Europe. 

2. In the year 1815 Commodore Decatur chastised the Algerines, 
and compelled the Dey to pay 60,000 dollars, as an indemnity to the 
United State®. In the following year Lord Exmouth cannonaded the 
city of Algiers with a powerful British fleet, and compelled the govern, 
ment to liberate all the Christian slaves. 

3. The French in 1830, on account of an affront offered to their 
■•Consul, landed an army of 38/100 men, and took the capital. They 
found in it nearly 10 million dollars in money, besides ships’ stores 
and ammunition. This conquest has entailed a vast expense on France, 
since, to repel the incessant attacks of the Arabs and Kabyles of the 
interior, she has to maintain an army of 80,000 men. 

is Morocco? 10. What is said of its condition? 11. Describe the 
c.ity of Morocco. Fez. 12. Mequinez, and the other towns. 

Algeria. Q. — 1. What is said of Algeria? Its inhabitants? 2. 
What took place in 1815? In the following year? 3. In 1830? 
What was found in the capital ? What is said of the conquest, &c.? 






BARBARY STATES. 


309 

4. The city of Algiers is about 500 miles eastward of the Strait; 
of Gibraltar. It has a good harbour, is strongly fortified, and carries 
on a considerable trade. Algiers is now partly a French and partly a 
Moorish city; full half of the population being Europeans. 

5. Constantina, Mascara, and Tlemsen, are the most important 
towns in the interior. Oran in the western, and Bona in the eastern 
part of the country, are the chief sea-ports after Algiers. Bona is the 
seat of the noted coral-fishery, which yields to the value of from 
300,000 to 400,000 dollars annually. 

6. Tunis. —Tunis is the best cultivated part of Barbary, 
and the inhabitants are the most civilized and industrious 
portion of its population. Olive-oil and wool are exported to 
some extent, and there is some traffic with interior Africa. 
The Bey has recently abolished slavery in his dominions. 

7. The city of Tunis, the capital, is situated about 10 miles south- 
west of Carthage, the most renowned commercial city of ancient times. 
It is the largest place in Barbary; and being no longer engaged in 
piracy, its inhabitants have applied themselves to manufactures and 
commerce: of the former the beretti, or red caps of Tunis, so well 
known all over the Mediterranean, are the chief! Kairwan, Cabes, and 
Monastir, are the next important towns. 

8. Tripoli. —Tripoli is the most eastern, and it is also the 
least fertile state in Barbary. The chief part of its territory 
is a desert; but there are some fertile districts alcng the coast. 

9. The people are vicious in their habits, and, what is not common 
with Mahomedans, are much addicted to drunkenness; but they are 
more tolerant to Christians than Mussulmen usually are. An extensive 
commerce, by means of caravans, is carried on with the countries of 
interior Africa. Fezzan, the chief emporium of the caravan tribe, is 
tributary to Tripoli. Barca and Augela also belong to it. 

10. Tripoli, the capital, has a good harbour, and carries on a con¬ 
siderable commerce. The streets are narrow, with low, mean houses; 
but the palace of the Dey and some of the mosques are handsome 
structures. Mesurata is, next to the capital, the most important town. 

11. Barca.— Barca, the ancient Libya, belongs to Tripoli, 
but is separated from it by an extensive desert. It was in 
ancient times noted for its fertility, but hardly any part of its 
soil is now cultivated. The inhabitants are chiefly Arabs, 
who wander about the country with their flocks and herds. 


4. Describe the city of Algiers. 5. Constantina, &,c. 6. Tunis. 7. The 
capital. Other towns. Tripoli. What is said of the people ? Com 
merce? 10. The capital? 11. Barca? 12. Ruins, &c. ? Augela? 



310 DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 



Tombs of Cyrene. 


12. The ruins of ancient cities are numerous; of these, Cyrene. 
with its Necropolis, or city of the tombs, is the most interesting. 
Derne and Bengazi are the only places that can be called towns. The 
first was captured by the American general, Eaton, in 1805. Augela, 
an oasis, 200 miles south of the Mediterranean sea, is famous for its 
dates. 


Map No. 25. — What bounds Algiers north ? M.-Sa. — South ? 
B.-Jd. — East ? Ts. —West ? Mo. —What Mts. in the south ? As. 
— How long are they ? Population of Algiers ? Constantine ? Bona ? 
Oran? What bounds Tunis north? M.-Sa. — South? B.-Jd.— 
East? M.-Sa., Ti.—West? As.—What cape north? Ba.—What 
lake south ? Lh. — Population of Tunis ? Kairwan ? What bounds 
Tripoli north? M.-Sa. — South? G.-Dt.— West? Ts., B.-Jd.— 
What gulf separates Tripoli from Barca ? Sa. — Population of Tripoli ? 
What bounds Barca north ? M.-Sa. — South ? L.-Dt. — East ? Et. 
-West ? G.-Sa. 


-203- 

THE BELED EL JERID, &c. 

1. The Beled el Jerid, or Land of Dates, stretches along 
the northern edge of the Great Desert, from the Atlas Moun¬ 
tains on the west, to the frontiers of Tripoli on the east. 

2. The soil, though dry and arid, produces dates in abundance, 
which form the ch'ef article of food. This region comprises several 
petty states, which a^e peopled Ly various tribes of Berbers and Arabs. 


Beled el Jerid. Q.—1, What ; s said of the Beled el Jorid? 2. SoilJ 




























THE GREAT AFRICAN DESERT. 311 

3. Nearly all the towns are surrounded by walls, and are inhabited 
some by two and others by three different tribes. They are in conse¬ 
quence divided into corresponding sections. Furious contests often 
occur between the tribes in these towns, in which event the gates 
connecting the different quarters are closed, until peace is restored. 
Eghwaat, Tuggurt, and Gadames, are the principal towns. 



THE GREAT DESERT. 

4. The Great Desert stretches from the Atlantic ocean 
almost to . the river Nile. It is composed of vast sandy plains, 
swept by hot winds, and parched by a burning sun. 

5. The Desert is here and there diversified with watered 
and fertile spots, called oases; of these, Fezzan, Tibesty, 
Bilmah, Agdass, and Tuat, are the principal. That part of 
the Great Desert extending from Fezzan to the Atlantic is 
called by the Arabs the Sahara, while the eastern and smaller 
section is most usually termed the Libyan Desert. 

6. Fezzan is the largest of the oases, and is tributary to Tripoli. 
It is principally important as the centre of the caravan trade. Its 
inhabitants are reckoned at 70,000; they possess but little energy, and 
are imperfectly acquainted with the arts. Mourzuk, the capital, a 
small mud-walled town, is 600 miles nearly south from Tripoli. 

7. The central part of the Desert is occupied by the Tibboos and 
the Tuaricks. The former are as black as negroes, but of a different 


States, &c. ? 3. Towns ? 4. Describe the Great Desert. 5. How is 

it diversified ? What is the Sahara, &c. ? 6. What is said of fezzan ? 









312 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


aspect. Bilmah appears to be their principal district. The Tuaricks 
are a tall, handsome race, with bright sparkling eyes, and complexions 
but little darker than southern Europeans. Agdass and Timbuctoo 
are said to be in their possession. 

8. In crossing the Great Desert, travellers are often plundered by 
the inhabitants; their lives also are endangered by the sand blown up 
by tempests, which fills and darkens the air, and threatens to suffocate 
and overwhelm them. The occasional failures of water at the usual 
stopping-places, is likewise often attended with fatal consequences; 
from the latter cause, in the year 1805, a caravan of 1800 camels, and 
2000 men, perished with thirst. 

9. On the sea-coast of the Desert are various wandering and preda¬ 
tory tribes, who often meet with a rich booty in the vessels shipwrecked 
on their shores, and which are always plundered with the greatest 
avidity. In different parts of the Desert there are mines of rock salt; 
the extensive demand for which in Soudan causes the surface of this 
dreary region to be enlivened by the passage of numerous caravans. 


Map No. 25. — How is the Beled el Jerid bounded ? How is the 
Great Desert bounded ? What tribes are in the centre ? Ts., Ts. — 
On the west? Ms., Ws., Ts., Bs.—What salt-mines are in the Great 
Desert ? Ty., Tt., An. —What oases are in the Great Desert ? Fn., 
Ty., Bh., As., Tt., Aa., Sh., E.-Dl., E.-Kh.—What country in the 
south ? Lr. — How long and wide is the Great Desert ? Wjhat capes 
are on the coast ? Br., Bo. — How far is it to Mexico ? To CJhba ? 

, -204- 

THE REGION OF THE NILE. 

1. The Region of the Nile includes all that part of Africa 
watered by the river Nile and its tributaries; comprising 
Egypt, Nubia, Abyssinia, Kordofan, Darfur, and Fertit. 

EGYPT. 

2. Egypt is celebrated for its great antiquity, and the early 
civilization of its inhabitants. Its mighty pyramids, splendid 
obelisks, and the ruins of its ancient cities, all attest its former 
magnificence. It includes the Bahari, or Lower, the Vostani, 
or Central, and the Said, or Upper Egypt. 

7. The Tibooos? Tuaricks? 8. Travellers? 9. The sea-coast? 

The Region of the Nile. Q. — 1. What does the region of the Nile 
include ? 2. What is said of Egypt ? 3. Of its present ruler ? The 





EGYPT. 


313 



3. It is nominally a Turkish pashalic; but the Pacha has 
rendered himself independent, and is introducing into Egypt 
the arts, learning, and civilization of Europe. The people 
are, however, greally oppressed; they are frequently torn 
from their families, and compelled to serve in the armies or 
fleets of their despotic ruler. 

4. Egypt is naturally barren, and owes all its fertility to the annual 
overflowing of the Nile, and to the fertile mud left on the land by its 
waters. Agriculture is diligently pursued; and in many parts of the 
country three crops of some products are raised annually. Indian 
corn, rice, wheat, sugar-cane, indigo, tobacco, cotton, &c., are the 
chief productions. Rain is frequent in Lower, but is of rare occur 
rence in Upper Egypt. 

5. The inhabitants are of various races. The Arabs are the most 
numerous; the Turks are the ruling people; the Copts are the de¬ 
scendants of the ancient Egyptians. There are also some Jews and 
Europeans: the latter are chiefly in the service of the government. 

6. The foreign possessions of Egypt are Nubia and Kordofan, in 
Africa ; together with the islands of Cyprus and Candia, in the Medi¬ 
terranean Sea. The population of the whole state is about 5 millions. 

7. Egypt abounds in remarkable antiquities. The pyramids are 
astonishing monuments of human labour: the largest is 500 feet higl^ 
and its base covers 11 acres of ground. Ancient historians state that 
100,000 men were employed for 20 years in its construction. * 


»cople ? 4. The soil ? Agriculture ? Products ? 5. The inhabit- 

jits ? 6. Foreign possessions ? 7. In what dor; Egypt abound ? 

2 P 






















314 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


8. At Thebes, in Upper Egypt, are remains which fill the beholdei 
with astonishment. Almost the whole extent of 8 miles along the 
river is covered with magnificent portals, decorated with sculpture, 
forests of columns, and long avenues of colossal statues. 



The great square in Cairo. 


.9. Cairo, the capital of Egypt, is on the river Nile, 130 miles from 
the sea. It is the largest city in Africa; and is called Musr by its 
inhabitants. The streets are very narrow; dogs are numerous; and 
camels and asses are used, instead of wheel carriages, for carrying 
burdens. There are 400 mosques, besides a number of other public 
buildings. Many schools, hospitals, factories, &c., have been esta¬ 
blished by the present Pacha. Most European nations have consuls 
here; and hotels are kept on the plan of those in London and Paris. 

10. Alexandria was one of the most celebrated cities of ancient 
times, and long the sO.t of the arts and sciences. After being for 
ages in a state of decay, it is at length reviving. It is now the chief 
sea-port and naval station of Egypt: vessels of nearly every European 
nation are to be found in its harbour; and steam-boats run to all the 
principal ports and islands in the Mediterranean. Damietta and 
Rosetta are the chief towns in Lower, and Siout and Girge in Central 
Egypt. Suez and Cosseir, on the Red sea', possess some trade. 


Map No. 26.v—What bounds Egypt on the north ? M.-Sa. — South ? 
Na.— East? R.-Sa.—West? G.-Dt.— What river flows through 
Egypt ? Ne. — How long is it ? What isthmus connects Egypt with 
Arabia? Sz.— How w de is it? What is the country at the mouth 
of the Nile called? Da.—What is a Delta? (See page 72.) What 
is the population ofCairo? Damietta? Alexandria? Siout? Rosetta? 
Cosseir ? Suez ? What three oases are included in Egypt ? Sh., E.-Dl., 

E.-Kh. —What is on the west side of the Nile near Cairo ? Ps._What 

ruins are in the south part of Egypt ? Ts. 


8 Describe Thebe;* £ Cairo. 10. Alexandria. Damietta, Sic. 









315 


NUBIA, ABYSSINIA. 

-205-:- 

NUBIA, ABYSSINIA, &c. 

1. Nubia is an extensive region, composed chiefly of rocky 
and sandy deserts. Since 1821 it has belonged to the Pacha 
of Egypt. It comprises two divisions, Upper and Lower Nubia. 

2. Lower Nubia, or Nubia Proper, extends from the river. 
Tacazze northward to Egypt. Its only productive soil is a 
narrow strip chiefly on the west side of the Nile, which is 
irrigated by water raised from the river. 

3. Upper Nubia extends southward from the Tacazze river 
to Abyssinia. It is watered by the tributaries of the eastern 
branch of the Nile, but is' indifferently cultivated. Sennaar 
Halfay, and Shendy, are its chief districts. 

4. The Nubians Proper, or inhabitants of Lower Nubia, are of the 
Berber race; the people of the desert are Arabs. The latter were 
noted robbers, but are now kept in check by the Pacha of Egypt. 

5. The remains of ancient temples are common in Nubia. These 
are either under ground or cut out of the solid rock. That of Ipsam- 
bul is Ine most splendid, and rivals any of the Egyptian monuments. 

6. Derr is considered the capital of Lower Nubia. New Dongola 
was the capital of the Mamelukes, after their expulsion from Egypt 
in 1812. Shendy is a noted slave-market: near it are the ruins of Mc- 
roe, a noted ancient city. Sennaar was once a large city, but is now 
decayed. Khartoom was lately founded by the Egyptians. Suakem 
is the port where pilgrims from the interior take passage for Mecca. 

7. Darfur is a dry, sandy country, but the tropical rains cause it 
to produce, to some extent, wheat and millet. Camels, horses, and 
cattle, abound. Bergoo, or Waday, lying westward from Darfur, is 
imperfectly known, but is reported to be well peopled. 

8. Kordofan, situated westward of Sennaar, was conquered in the 
year 1820 by the Pacha of Egypt. Its soldiers, like tlfose of Bornou, 
wear armour in time of war. Fertit and Donga are known only by 
report: the former is said to abound in copper. The Shilluks are a 
nation of negroes, of unusual size and strength. 

ABYSSINIA 

9. Abyssinia, the ancient Ethiopia, is a country of rugged 
mountains, intersected by deep and fertile valleys. Though 
situated in the torrid zone, the climate is generally temperate. 


Nubia , &$c. Q. — 1. What is said of Nubia? 2. Describe Lower Nu¬ 
bia. 3. Upper Nubia. 4. The inhabitants. 6. Ancient temples. 6. Derr 
&,c. 7. Darfur, &o. 8. Kordofan, &e. 9. Abyssinia. 10. What is 





316 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


Wheat, barley, and teff,. a very small grain, are the chief 
products; and salt is the principal mineral. 

10. The people are in some respects superior to the nations around 
them ; yet their manners are cruel and licentious. At their feasts 
they eat raw flesh, cut from the animal while yet warm. Human life 
is but little regarded. Intoxication is frequent, a plurality of wives is 
eommon, and great depravity of manners prevails. 

11. The religion is a corrupt kind of Christianity, intermixed with 
Tewish rites and ceremonies. Circumcision is practised; baptism 
and the Lord’s Supper are administered, and Saturday and Sunday are 
both observed as a sabbath. The churches are much adorned with 
paintings. Learning is extremely limited, being confined to the 
priests, and connected principally with their system of religion. 

12. Abyssinia was formerly under one government, but now com¬ 
prises three divisions — Tigre, Amhara, and Shoa, or Shwa. In the 
year 1841 an embassy was sent to Shoa by the British East Indja 
Company. Some of the southern and western provinces of Abyssinia 
have been conquered by the Galla, a most ferocious and brutal people, 
who in their incursions spare neither age nor sex. 

13. Gondar, the capital of Amhara, was once the largest city and 
capital of Abyssinia: it now contains only 6000 inhabitants, but covers 
a great extent of ground. It is in the hands of the Galla. Antalo and 
Adowa are the other principal towns. Axum, the ancient capital of 
Abyssinia, is now in ruins, but is remarkable for its antiquities. Mas- 
suah, which belongs to Egypt, is the sea-port of Abyssinia. 


Map No. 25. — How is Nubia bounded? What river in Nubia? 
Ne. — Desert ? Nn. —What is the population of Ivhartoom ? Sennaar ? 
Suakem ? Shendy ? New Dongola ? Derr ? What bounds Abys¬ 
sinia on the north ? Na. — South ? Ea. Al. — East ? R.-Sa. —West ? 
Ss. —What lake in the centre ? Da. —What river flows from it ? Ni. 
—What is the population of Gondar ? Antalo ? Massuah ? Axum ? 
What countries lie west of the Nile ? Kn., Dr., Bo. — South of Dar¬ 
fur ? Ft., Da.»*r-What river flows through Bergoo ? Md. —The capi¬ 
tals of these countries? It., Ce., Wa.—The population of Cobbe ? 
What towns are on the Nile ? On the Bahr el Azrek ? 

- 206 - 

WESTERN AFRICA. 

1. This region extends from the Great Desert to the Tropic 
of Capricorn. Its chief divisions are Senegambia, and Upper 
and Lower Guinea. A highly productive soil, a rich luxu- 


said of the people? 11. Religion? 12. Government ? Describe the 

Galla. 13. Gondar, and the other towns 






317 


WESTERN AFRICA. 



riance of vegetation, and a great variety and abundance of 
animals, distinguish this part of the continent. 

2. The inhabitants are ignorant and barbarous: their chiefs arc 
despotic, and in some parts are regarded by their subjects as a sacred 
race. Mahomcdanism is the religion of many tribes ; but Fctichism, 
or the worship of snakes, lizards, and other disgusting objects, is 
prevalent. The Mahomcdan tribes arc less barbarous than the others. 

3. The slave-trade has been carried on by Europeans from this 
region to a greater extent than from any other part of Africa; and, 
notwithstanding the exertions made to suppress it, it still continues. 

SENEGAMBIA. 

4. Senegambia extends from the Great Desert to the 
Colony of Liberia. It contains a number of small states, of 
which Foota Jallon, Bambouk, and Soolimana, all in the inte¬ 
rior, appear to be the principal. Bambouk is noted for its gold. 

5. The inhabitants of Foota Jallon belong to the Foulah nation, 
who are widely dispersed over Western and Central Africa. They are 
the most civilized people of this region, and have dark olive complex¬ 
ions, with high and often pleasing features. The Jaloffs and Mandin 
goes are also important races, but differ from the Foulahs in their 
complexion and general appearance. 

6. The French, English, and Portuguese, have settlements esta 
blished on various parts of the coast, for the purpose of trading with 
the natives for slaves, ivory, gum-arabic, and gold-dust. 

Western Africa. Q. — 1. Describe this region. 2. The inhabitants. 
Religion. 3. Slave-trade. 4. What is said of Senegambia ? 5. The 

Foulahs ? Jaloffs, &c. ? G. The French, &c. ? 













DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


t>18 

COLONY OF SIERRA LEONE. 

T. The British Colony of Sierra Leone was established in 
1787, for the purpose of introducing the Christian religion 
and civilization into Africa, but has not realized the expecta¬ 
tions of Js founders. 

8. The bulk of the inhabitants are liberated slaves, taken from cap¬ 
tured slave-ships. The population is about 43,000, of whom not more 
than 100 are whites; the extreme unhealthfulness of the climate ren 
dering it unsafe for them to reside here. Freetown, or St. George, is 
the capital of Sierra Leone: there are also 8 or 10 small villages. 

REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA. 

9. Liberia, lately an American colony, became in 1847 
an independent Republic. It was founded in 1821 by the 
American Colonization Society, as a place of refuge for the 
free negroes and emancipated slaves of the United States. 

10. Many have emigrated thither, and the colony is in a flourishing 
condition. Several of the neighbouring tribes have put themselves 
under its protection, and are endeavouring to imitate its customs and 
learn its arts. The slave-trade has been abolished within the limits 
of Liberia. Several vessels, built at Monrovia, trade along the coast 
with the native tribes, for gold, ivory, palm-oil, &c., in exchange for 
American and European manufactures. 

11. The first settled and chief town is Monrovia; it contains about 
300 houses, including churches, schools, a public library, &c. There 
are several other towns and settlements situated at various points on 
the coast, from the St. Paul’s river to Cape Palmas. The territory 
of Liberia extends along the sea-shore about 300 miles: it contains 
3,500 colonists, and 20,000 natives. 

Map No. 25. — How is Sencgambia bounded ? Which rivers arc 
the principal ? SI., Ga., Nr., R.-Ge. — Iiow long are the three first ■ 
What cape on the west? Ve. — On the south? Ps.—What Frenr ii 
settlement on the Senegal river? St.-Ls.— British settlement on the 
Gambia? Bt.—What settlement on the Rio Grande? Pc.—Wil l 
islands lie west of Cape Verde? C.-Ve.—What British colony in tiie 
south ? S.-Le. 

Map No. 27. —What are the principal rivers of Liberia ? How long 
_s the St. Paul’s river ? Which is the most northern cape.? Mt.— 
Southern ? Ps. — There are nine colonial towns — which are they ’ 
Native towns? What colony at Cape Palmas? Md.— At the St 
John’s river ? Pa. — Near what cape is the town of Monrovia ? Mo. 

Sierra Leone. Q. — 7. Describe Sierra Leone. 8. What is said of 
the inhabitants ? 9. Describe Liberia. 10. What is said of the colo- 

ny ? The neighbouring tribes? The slave-trade? 11. The chief 
towns. Sec. ? How far does the territory extend ? 




UPPER GUINEA. 


319 


-207- 

UPPER AND LOWER GUINEA. 

1. Upper Guinea extends from Senegambia to Biafra. 
fhe coast is divided by navigators into the Grain, Ivory, 
Gold, and Slave Coasts: these are so named from the chief 
objects of trade at the respective places. 

2. Besides part of the colony of Liberia, this region con¬ 
tains the native kingdoms of Ashantee, Dahomey, Benin, &c.; 
also some English, Dutch, and Danish settlements. 

3. The kingdom of Ashantee is situated to the north of the Gold 
Coast, and is the most important native state in Western Africa. The 
inhabitants possess some of the comforts of civilization, but live, not¬ 
withstanding, in a state of shocking barbarity. 

4. The horrid custom of sacrificing human beings at the decease 
of the sovereign, or any of the royaj family, prevails to a great extent, 
and three thousand victims are said to have been immolated oil the 
erave of the king’s mother, on one occasion only. The houses in 
Coomassie, the capital, are neat and well-built. The streets are all 
earned, and are each under the charge of an officer. 

5. The Gold Coast contains a number of European settlements or 
factories, founded for the purpose of trading with the natives for gold- 
dust, the most valuable product of the country. Cape Coast Castle is 
tire principal of the British factories, Elmina of the Dutch, and Chris- 
tiansburg of the Danes; these are all fortified, and garrisoned. 

6. Dahomey, on the Slave Coast, is a fertile country: it is inhabited 
by a warlike and ferocious people, whose manners and customs are 
even more cruel than those of the Ashantees. Abomey is the capital. 

7. Benin is but little known: the king is not only absolute, but is con¬ 
sidered a god in the eyes of his subjects, and all crimes against him 
are punished both as treason and impiety. Benin is the capital: for a 
Negro town it is remarkably clean, and is under judicious regulations. 

LOWER GUINEA 

8. The principal countries comprised in Lower Guinea 
are Loango, Congo, Angola, and Benguela. The sea-coast 
of these countries is known to navigators by the name of 
the Coast of Angola, or simply the Coast. 

9. Biafra, Calbongas, and Gaboon, lying south of the Niger river, 
are reported to be fertile and populous countries, but are seldom visited. 


Upper Guinea. Q. —1. Describe Upper Guinea. 2. Kingdoms. Ac. 
3. Ashantee. 4. What is said of human sacrifices? Coomassie? 
5. The Gold Coast ? 6. Dahomey ?. 7. Benin ? 8. Describe Lowet 





320 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


Loango possesses a fine climate and a fertile soil ; the slave-trade ia 
carried on to some extent from its chief ports, Cabenda and Loango. 

10. Congo, Angola, Benguela, and Matemba, are situated to the 
southward of the river Congo. The whole region is said to be fertile, 
though in some parts but thinly peopled. These territories were dis¬ 
covered by the Portuguese in 1487, and have ever since been under 
their control; but their authority in the interior is merely nominal. 

11. Cassange and Moolooa are countries reported to be far inland 
The inhabitants of the latter are more civilized and industrious tha 
those of the coast, yet the atrocious custom of human sacrifice pre 
vails. St. Salvador is the principal town of Congo. St. Paul de Loand 
and St. Felipe de Benguela are the chief sea-ports in Angola and 
Benguela: from these the slave-trade is carried on to some extent. 

12. The Cimbebas Country extends 500 miles southward from Ben¬ 
guela : the whole coast is a desert, and fresh water is very scarce; 
but the interior is a pastoral country. The inhabitants are clothed in 
ox-hides, and possess large herds of cattle. Ichaboe, a small island 
on the coast, has furnished great quantities of guano. 

Map No. 25.—What bounds Upper Guinea on the north? Sn.— 
South ? G.-Ga. — East ? L.-Ga. — West ? Sa., La. —What Mts. on 
the north ? Kg. —What is the population of Coomassie ? Aboiney ? 
Benin ? How is Lower Guinea bounded ? Which are its rivers ? Co., 
Az., Ca., Be.— Mts.? Cl.—What islands in the Gulf of Guinea? 
F.-Po., Ps., S.-Ts., An. — To what power do the three last belong? 
What river divides Upper from Lower Guinea ? Nr. —What is the 
population of Loango? St. Salvador ? St. Paul de Loando? How 
far is it from Guinea to Brazil ? From Angola to Brazil ? 

- 208 - 

SOUTHERN AFRICA. 

1. Southern Africa comprises nearly all that part of 
the continent which lies south of th£ tropic of Capricorn. Its 
subdivisions are the Cape Colony, Caffraria, the country of 
the Hottentots, and the country of the Boshuanas. 

2. The Cape Colony was settled by the Dutch in 1650. It was 
,wice conquered by Great Britain, and was finally confirmed.to that 
power in 1815. The population consists of Dutch, British, and Hot- 
tentots. The latter were formerly slaves, hut were emancipated in the 
year 1829. The inhabitants amount to 160,000 in number. 

3. The soil along the coast is generally fertile, and productive in 
grain, wine, and fruits. In the interior is the Great Karroo, a dry plain, 

Guinea. 9. Biafra, &c. 10. Congo, &c. 11. Cassange, &c. 12. 
Cimbebas country. 

Southern Africa. Q. —1. What does Southern Africa comprise? 2 
Vhat ia said of the Cape Colony 7 3. The Boil ? Farmers ? 4, Caps 






SOUTHERN AFRICA. 


321 


pearly destitute of vegetation. It is much frequented by the ostrich. 
The farmers of the Colony, called Boors, occupy extensive farms, and 
raise large herds of cattle. 

4. Cape Town is situated at the base of Tabic Mountain, over which 
is frequently seen a singular white cloud, called the table-cloth. It k> 
an important station, being the only place of refreshment for vessels, 
between Europe and America on the one side, and the East Indies, 
China, and Australasia, on the other. Graham’s Town is the next 
most important place. 

5. Caffraria.— Caffraria extends north-eastward from the Cape Colo¬ 
ny to St. Lucia river. It is now of less extent than formerly; the south¬ 
west portion has been recently annexed to the Cape Colony. The in¬ 
habitants, called Caffres, are divided into several tribes. They are an 
athletic, vigorous people, of a deep brown colour, and with frizzled, 
though not woolly hair. 

6. War, hunting, and tending their large herds of cattle, are the 
employment of the men. The women cultivate the soil, build huts, 
cut wood, and make baskets of reeds that will hold milk. 

7. Previous to the recent war between them and the Colonists, the 
missionaries had made a favourable impression on some of the Caffres; 
but that event destroyed, in a measure, the good effects of their labours, 
and obliged most of them to leave the country. 



Bushman disguised as an Ostrich. 


8. Country of the Hottentots. — This tract of country is in¬ 
habited by the Damaras, Namaquas, Corannas, Griquas, and other 
tribes, all known by the general name of Hottentots. They are a 

Towfi ? 5. Describe Caffraria. The inhabitants. 6. Their employ¬ 

ments. 7 Missionaries. 8. What is said of the country of the IIoU 

2 Q 

• 








DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


322 

quiet, inoffensive, ignorant race; filthy in their habits, and ugly in per¬ 
son : their language is singular, and has been compared to the clucking 
of turkeys. Some have been taught by the missionaries to cultivate the 
ground, raise cattle, and work at a few of the most common trades. 

9. The Bushmen, or Wild Hottentots, go almost naked, and reside 
in holes in the ground, or clefts in the rocks. They use poisoned ar¬ 
rows in war, or in destroying wild beasts. They display some inge¬ 
nuity in disguising themselves in imitation of the ostrich, and are thus 
enabled to approach that shy animal sufficiently near to destroy it. 



Kurreecnane. 


10. Country of the Boshuanas. — The Boshuanas appear to be of 
the same race as the Caffres ; but have made more progress in industry 
and the arts. They dwell in towns; and cultivate the ground, raising 
millet, beans, water-melons, See. These people have large herds of 
cattle, the robbing of which from each other is the cause of frequent 
wars. Lattakoo, Mashow, and Kurreechane, the chief towns, are from 
600 to 800 miles distant from Cape Town. 

Map No. 25. —What countries south of the Tropic of Capricorn ? 
Hs., Bs., C.-Cy., Ca.—Which is the most southern cape ? Ls.—What 
other cape ? G.-He.—What rivers in this region? Oe., Ke., G.-Ivi., 
S.-La., Me. — How long is the first ? What Mts. ? Sw. — How high 
are they ? What desert extends north-west from the Boshuana coun¬ 
try ? Ch. This is also called the Karri-Harri Desert. — How far 
from Cape Colony to Swan River Colony? Population of Kurree- 
cliane ? Mashow ? Lattakoo ? Cape Town ? Graham’s Town ? 

-209- 

EASTERN AFRICA. 

1. Eastern Africa comprises a vast extent of coast, 
reaching from Caffraria to Abyssinia, 3000 miles in length. 
Scarcely any part of the world is so imperfectly known, aa 

tentots ? 9. The Bushmen ? 10. Country of the Boshuanas ? Towns 
&e. ? Herds of cattle ? 

Eastern Africa. Q .— 1. What does Eastern Africa comprise? 2. 










EASTERN AFRICA. 323 

the interior of this region, or opposes so many obstacles to 
the investigations of* the traveller. 

2. The states of this territory are generally occupied by 
dark brown or black nations, who, however, bear but little 
resemblance to negroes except in colour. In some of them, 
the inhabitants are not entirely destitute of arts and industry. 

3. The Country of the Somaulies extends from Abyssinia to Cajw 

ardafui. The people are an active, industrious race, who trade with 

t ie Arabs, Hindoos, and the interior tribes. The country is hilly and 
beautiful, and may be considered as the native region of incense, myrrh, 
and sweet-smelling gums. 

4. Berbera and Adel are the chief states on the coast, of which the 
principal towns are Berbera and Zeyla; Hurrur, in the interior, is the 
residence of the Sultan of the Somaulies. The inland country is scarcely 
known, but appears to be occupied by the savage Galla, and by the king¬ 
dom of G ingiro, whose inhabitants are equally barbarous. 

5. Ajan, or Azania, stretching southward from Cape Gardafui, is 
sandy, hilly, and, except in the northern parts, barren. The want of 
harbours, and the fierce character of the inhabitants, have prevented U 
from being much frequented by traders. 

6. Zanguebar extends from Cape Bassas to Cape Delgado. It con¬ 
tains several states, of which Magadoxa, Mombas, and Quiloa, appear 
to be the chief: the latter is under the control of the Arabs of Muscat 
Melinda, once an important city, is now in ruins, having been, with 
the whole of its territory, desolated by the savage Galla. 

7. The commerce of this region is carried on principally by the Arabs 
of Muscat, in vessels called dows, the planks of which, instead of being 
fastened in the usual manner, are sewed together. The ports of Mom 
bas, Lamoo, and Brava, are sometimes visited by American ships. 

8. The Portuguese Possessions commence at Cape Delgado; the 
authority of this nation was once very extensive, but it is now little 
more than nominal. Mozambique is the residence of the Governor Ge¬ 
neral : it was settled by the Portuguese as early as the year 1506. Qui- 
limane at the mouth of the Zambeze river, and Sofala and Inhambanc, 
are the other-chief stations on the coast; those in the interior are Sen 
Tete, and Manica. The trade, now greatly reduced, is chiefly in 
slaves, gold, and ivory. ■ 

9. Monomotapa, or Motapa, a once powerful empire, is now destroyed: 
its territory is mostly occupied by the Maravis, a warlike, plundering 
tribe, whose chief, called the Changamera, resides at Zimbao, the an¬ 
cient capital. Farther inland is the country of the Movizas, an indus¬ 
trious and peaceable race. 


What is said of its states? 3. Somaulies? 4. Berbera and Adel? 
5. Ajan? 6. Zanguebar? 7. Commerce? 8. What is said of the 
Portuguese possessions ? 9. Monomotapa ? 10. The Bororas, 

Cazembe ? 



324 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


10. The Borcras and Makooas are populous tribes in the interior : 
the latter are reported to be cannibals. CazemSe, a kingdom situated 
in the centre of the continent, is fertile and populous, and is subject to 
a despot; it yields iron and copper: its trade is in slaves and ivory. 


Map No. 25. —What gulf separates Berbera from Arabia ? An. — 
What capes on the coast of Ajan ? Gi., Oi., Bs. — How far is it from 
Ajan to Ceylon ? What country of Zanguebar lies north of the Equa¬ 
tor ? Ma.—Which lie south? Ma., Ms., Qa. — How far from Zan- 
guebar to Sumatra ? What rivers are in Zanguebar ? W T e., Oe. — In 
Mozambique ? Ze., Me. —What Mts. ? La. — Capes ? Do., Cs. — 
What channel separates Mozambique from Madagascar? Me. 

- 210 - 



CENTRAL AFRICA. 

1. Central Afr'CA comprises all the interior regions 
south of the Great desert. Its northern division, Soudan, or 
Nigritia, has been partially explored by Europeans; but the 
southern, called Ethiopia, has never been visited by white 
men, and is, consequently, unknown. 

2. The Niger, its principal river, (called by the natives the Joliba, 
or Quorra), was long a subject of intense interest to the civilized world, 
in consequence of the various opinions entertained concerning it. Mr. 
Park, in 1795, determined the upper part of its course; and the lower 


Central A frica. Q. —1. Describe Central Africa. Northern division 
Southern. 2. What is said of the principal river ? 3. Soudan ? 4. 





























CENTRAL AFRICA. 


325 

part, and termination in the Gulf of Guinea, were ascertain 3 d by the 
brothers Lander, in 1830. Since that time it has been ascended by 
steam-boats, for a distance of 400 or 450 miles. 

3. Soudan is, in most parts, fertile and populous; and the 
inhabitants generally excel those of the coast in industry and 
intelligence. It contains a great number of states, various in 
extent and character. 

4. In the year 1822, &c., the British travellers, Denham and Clap-* 
perton, crossed the desert from Tripoli to Soudan; they-explored Bor- 
nou and Iloussa. Four years afterwards, Major Laing, a British of 
ticer, travelled from Tripoli to Timbuctoo, and remained there a month; 
but he was murdered a few days after leaving that city, on his return 
home. In 1828 M. Caille, a French traveller, reached Timbuctoo from 
the west coast, and then crossed the Sahara to Morocco. Our chief 
knowledge of the interior is derived from these intrepid travellers. 

5. Kaarta, the most western state in Soudan, is a considerable king 
dom, but of moderate fertility; the capital is Kemmoo. Boure and 
YVassela on the Niger, and Kong, extending along the mountain range 
of the same name, are imperfectly known. The first abounds in gold. 
Beeroo and Massina on the western, and Baedoo on the east side of 
the Niger, are countries known to us only by name. Walet, the capi¬ 
tal of Beero, is reported tp carry on a great trade in salt. 

6. Bambarra, lately the most important state in Soudan, is now di¬ 
vided into two distinct kingdoms. Lower Bambarra, the last formed of 
the two, is governed by a Fellata chief. Jenne, the capital, is one of the 
most commercial towns in this part of Africa. Sego, the capital of Up¬ 
per or Old Bambarra, stands on both sides of the river Niger, and is 
enclosed by a wall. The houses are built of clay, and whitewashed. 

7. Timbuctoo lies 8 miles north of the river Niger. It has for a long 
time excited attention, from its supposed riches; and is the point at 
which most European travellers have aimed to arrive; but M. Caillie 
lias dispelled the reputation it enjoyed for wealth and importance. 

8. The Fellatas are the most powerful nation in Soudan. They 
are similar to the Foulahs; but are more warlike. They have con¬ 
quered Houssa, the most civilized country in the interior; besides 
several small states on the. Niger. Soccatoo, or Sackatoo, is their cap¬ 
ital. Ivano and Cashna are important cities in Iloussa. Zegzeg is a 
fine fertile district, the capital of which is Zaria. 

9. Boussa and Yourt are considerable towns on the Niger. The 
former is the capital of Borgoo, a confederacy of states on that river; 
and Youri is the place at which Mr. Park lost his life. Nyffe and 
Yarriba are fertile and populous countries; the people of which are 
the most improved and industrious of all the Negro nations. Eyeo, 
the capital of Yarriba, is said to be 15 miles in circuit. 


What occurred in 1822 ? In 1828 ? 5. Kaarta, &c. ? 6. Bambarra? 
7. Timbuctoo? 8. The Fellatas? 9. Boussa, &c.? 10. Bornou? 
11. Begharmi? Darkulla? Mandara? 



326 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


10. Bornou is is one of the most important states of Soudan. A con¬ 
siderable trade is carried on across the Sahara with Tripoli, in slaves, 
ivory, and ostrich feathers. Kanem, lying north of Lake Tchad, is de¬ 
pendent on Bornou; and furnishes to that state its bravest soldiers 
Kouka is the capital of Bornou; Angornou is its largest town. 

11. Begharmi, lying south-east of Lake Tchad, is often at war with 
Bornou. The cavalry of these nations cover themselves, and even 
their horses, in time of war, with iron armour, and fight with long 
spears. Darkulla is inhabited by a fierce Pagan race, called El Fei- 
lati, who fight with poisoned arrows. Mandara occupies a fine fertile 
valley containing several populous towns, of which Mora is the chief . 


Map No. 25. How is Soudan bounded ? What are its rivers ? Nr,, 
Yu., Sy., Ta., Be.—How long is the first ? What lakes are in Soudan ? 
Td., Fe., De.—How long is the first ? WhatMts. ? Kg., Mn.—What 
is the population of Sego ? Jenne ? Timbuctoo? Soccatoo ? Kano ? 
Zaria ? Boussa ? Bornou ? Angornou ? 

- 211 - 

AFRICAN ISLANDS. 

1 . Africa comprises a number of single islands and groups 
qf islands, belonging chiefly to different European states; most 
of them are populous, and produce a variety of valuable com¬ 
modities. 

2. The Azores, or Western Isles, lie in the Atlantic ocean, about 
1200 miles west from Portugal; they have a fine climate and good soil: 
the products are grain, wine, and fruits of various kinds. The chief 
towns are Ponte Delgada, in St. Michael’s, and Angra, in Terceira: 
the latter is the capital of the whole group. 

3. Madeira is a beautiful, healthful, and fertile island ; it is a resort 
for invalids, and has been long celebrated for its excellent wines, the 
trade in which is less important than formerly. Funchal is the capital. 

4. The Canary Islands are noted for their wines, fruits, and Canary 
birds. These islands contain numerous mountains, of which the most 
celebrated is the Peak of Teneriffe. Santa Cruz, in the island of Tenc- 
riffe, is the capital. Orotava is the largest town. 

5. The Cape Verde Islands have a hot and unhealthful climate, and 
a dry and arid soil. Many of the inhabitants died of famine in 1831, 
from the effects of a long-continued drought. Fogo, one of the islands, 
contains an active volcano. Salt, goat-skins, and some cotton, are the 
chief articles of trade. The capital is Porto Praya. 

6. Ascension Island was long uninhabited, and was famous for its 


African Islands. Q. — 1. What is said of the African continent ? 2. 
Describe the Azores. 3. Madeira islands. 4. Canary islands. 5. Cape 
Verde Islands. 6. Ascensi jn and St. Helena. 7. What does the Etlii- 






AFRICAN ISLANDS. 


327 


tartle; it has now a small garrison. St. Helena is a high rocky island, 
and has but one harbour and town (Jamestown): it is noted for having 
been the residence of Napoleon Bonaparte for six years: he died there 
in May, 1821. In 1840, his remains were conveyed to France. 

7. The Ethiopian Archipelago, situated on the eastern 
side of Africa, comprises Madagascar, the Mascarenha, Sey- 
chelle, Almirante, Comoro, and some other smaller islands. 

8. Madagascar is the largest of the African islands. It has a health 
f il climate, a fertile soil, and is said to be rich in minerals. The in¬ 
habitants consist of Arabs, Malays, and Negroes. Some of these cul¬ 
tivate the ground, and are not destitute of arts : others are pirates, and 
commit depredations on the neighbouring islands. 

9. Imerina, or the kingdom of the Ovahs, the most important state 
in this island, was founded by Radama. This prince patronized the 
missionaries, and endeavoured to civilize his subjects by introducing 
among them European arts and sciences. He was poisoned by his wife 
in 1828. Since his death, the kingdom has been the scene of anarchy 
and confusion. Tananarivou is the capital. Bombetok Bay, and the 
other bays and ports, are sometimes visited by American vessels. 

10. Eastward from Madagascar are the Mascarenha Islands. These 
are Bourbon, and Mauritius or the Isle of France; both are well set¬ 
tled, fertile islands: coffee and sugar are the chief products. Mauritius 
is the scene of the inimitable tale of Paul and Virginia. Bourbon con¬ 
tains a volcano constantly burning, which serves at night as a light¬ 
house to mariners. Port Louis, in Mauritius, and St. Denis, in Bour¬ 
bon, are the chief towns. 

11. The Seychelle and Almirante Islands are a dependency of 
Mauritius: they produce cotton and .cocoa-nuts. Mahe, on Mahe 
island, is the capital of the first-named group. The Comoro Isles are 
mountainous but fertile. The inhabitants have been nearly all extir 
pated by the ravages of the Madagascar pirates. 

12. Monfia, Zanzibar, and Pemba, are fertile, well-settled islands, 
and belong to Muscat. Zanzibar, on the island of the same name, 
contains 50,000 inhabitants ; it is the largest town in the dominions 
of the Sultan of Muscat. Socotra is subject to the Sultan of Keshin 
in Arabia, and is chiefly noted for the superior quality of its aloes. 


Map No. 25. — Tell the population of the following islands, and the 
nations to which they belong : Azores, Madeira, Canary, Cape Verde, 
Ascension, St. Helena, Mauritius, Bourbon, Almirante, and Seychelle. 
Population of Madagascar ? How long is it ? Its northern cape ? Ao.— 
Southern ? S.-My.—How far from Madagascar to Australia ? What 
islands west of Madagascar? Co.—What islands belong to Muscat? 
Pa., Zr., Ma. —What island belongs to Keshin ? 

opian Archipelago comprise ? 8. What is said of Madagascar ? 9. 

Imerina? 10. Describe the Mascarenha Islands. 11. The Seychelle, 
Ac. Comoro. 12. Monfia, Ac. Socotra. 




328 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY 


212 



Inhabitants of Oceanica. 


OCEANICA. 

1. Oceanica comprises the islands lying south of Asia, 
together with the greater part of those in the Pacific Ocean, 
situated between Asia and America. They form three great 
divisions : Malaysia, Australasia, and Polynesia. 

2. It extends from north to south about 6200 miles, and 
from east to west 11,000 miles, and comprises almost a third 
part of the superficies of the globe. The land area is about 
one-eleventh part of the land surface, of the earth. 

3. The discovery of this quarter of the world commenced soon after 
America was known to Europeans. Magellan, the first navigator who 
sailed round the globe, passed through the strait which bears nis name, 
more than 300 years ago, and crossed the Pacific Ocean in a direction 
from south-east to north-west. 

4. After Magellan, the Spaniards, Dutch, and English, continued the 
progress of discovery. Of the latter, Captain James Cook contributed 
more to our knowledge of the islands in this quarter than any other 
individual. Since his time, numerous navigators and whalers, princi¬ 
pally English, French, and Americans, have traversed the Pacific 
Ocean in every direction, and have probably left but little to be ex- 

Oceanica. Q. — 1. Describe Oceanica. 2 Its extent. 3. What is 
«.id of its discovery, &.c, ? 4. What took place after Magellan ? What 






















OCEANICA-MALAYSIA. 329 

plored. In the year 1841 the American Exploring Expedition visited 
many of the islands in these seas. 

5. The islands of Oceanica are situated principally within the tro¬ 
pics, and are exposed to a considerable degree of heat. The tempera¬ 
ture, however, is various. Some of them enjoy a delightful climate, 
and are among the most favoured and fertile countries on the globe. 

6. Nearly all the large islands are elevated. Some contain moun¬ 
tains of great altitude. Volcanoes are numerous, and occasionally 
cause dreadful, ravages. The smaller islands are low, many of them 
scarcely rising above the surface of the water, and are often destitute 
of vegetation and inhabitants: some again are covered with groves of 
cocoanut and other trees, and are well peopled. 

7. Most of the animals found in these islands are similar to those of 
the south of Asia; but there are several varieties peculiar to this quar¬ 
ter. The orang-outang abounds in Borneo, and the Malay tapir in 
Java and other islands. The kangaroo, emeu, duckbill, and black 
swan, exist only in Australia. 

8. The natives of Oceanica are various in manners, customs, and 
condition. They consist, for the most part, of two distinct races, the 
Malays, or brown variety of the human family, and the Papuan, Ori¬ 
ental, or Melanesian Negroes. 

9. The Malays are found in different stages of civilization, and com¬ 
prise two distinct classes, nobles and slaves. Some of them are compa¬ 
ratively improved; others are extremely barbarous, and in many in- 
ctances they are cannibals. The people of Polynesia are principally 
pagans; those of Malaysia are partly Mahomedans and partly pagans. 

10. The Papuans constitute a variety of the black race, but are, 
for the most part, smaller in person, and not so dark in complexion, as 
tiie African negroes. They are generally destitute of clothing or dwell¬ 
ings, often live on the most disgusting food, and are supposed to have 
no definite ideas of a Supreme Being. 

-213- 

MALAYSIA. 

1. Malaysia derives its name from the Malays, the most 
numerous people in this region. It is also called the East 
India Archipelago; and contains the islands of Sumatra, 
Java, and Borneo, usually called the Sunda Isles, together 
with the island of Celebes, the Moluccas, or Spice Islands, 
the Philippine Islands, and some smaller groups. 

is said of Captain Cook ? What has occurred since his time ? In 1841 ? 
5. What is said of the islands, &c. ? 6. Larger islands ? 7. Animals ? 
S. Natives of Oceanica ? 9. The Malays? 10. Papuans? 

Malaysia. Q.—1. What is said of Malaysia ? What does it contain ? 
2 R 





33G 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 


2. The climate of Malaysia is that of the torrid zone. The soil is 
productive, and yields in abundance the most exquisite spices and 
fruits. The clove, nutmeg, mace, cinnamon, and pepper, abound; also 
sugar, coffee, cotton, rice, tobacco, and indigo. 

3. The commerce is extensive, and is carried on mostly by Europe¬ 
ans and Chinese. The latter, in their uncouth vessels, called junks, 
trade in great numbers to the different islands. Tripang, sea-slug, and 
edible birds’-nests, luxuries not in use among Europeans, form import¬ 
ant articles of the traffic with China, where they bear a high price. 



Malays capturing a European Vessel. 


4. The Malays, the prevalent race in this region, are, generally, of 
a yellowish brown complexion. They ar,e chiefly Mahomedans, and 
have a strong passion for gambling. Many of the Malays are pirates 
they often surprise and capture European and other merchant-vessel* 
A number of Chinese emigrants have settled in various parts of Malay 
sia, and are noted for their industrious and quiet habits. 

5. Sumatra, the most western of the Sunda Islands, is nearly equal 
in extent to our Middle and Eastern States united. It is divided into 
several petty native kingdoms; and is partly under the dominion of 
Holland. Some of the interior tribes are cannibals. Among the Bat- 
tas, the punishment of several crimes, by their laws, is to be eaten 
alive. They also eat the prisoners they take in war. 

6. Java is a fine fertile island, about three-fourths of which belongs 
to the Dutch; the remainder of the island is governed by two native 
princes, the emperor and the sultan. The natives are well acquainted 
with many arts. They carry on a lucrative trade with the Chinese. 


2. What is said of the climate ? 3. Commerce ? 4. The Malays 1 5 



















MALAYSIA. 


331 


7. Batavia is the capital of Java, as well as of all the Dutch posses¬ 
sions in the East. It is a great commercial emporium. Samarang is 
the next important town. Djockokarta is the capital of the emperor’s, 
and Surakarta of the sultan’s dominions. 

8. Eastward from Java are the Islands of Bally, Sumbawa, Floris, 
and Timor. Sumbawa is noted for its terrific volcano. Timor belongs 
jointly to the Dutch and the Portuguese. Banca is noted for its tin. 

9. Borneo is one of the largest islands in the world. It is nearly 
four times larger than Great Britain. The interior is inhabited by fe- 
jocio'is, warlike tribes. Among one of these, the Dyaks, no one is 
considered a man, or can obtain a wife, until he can show the head of 
it least, one fcnemy, as a proof of his prowess. Gold and diamonds 
ire found in Borneo. The principal trade is at Benjarmassin. 

10. North-eastward from Borneo are the Sooloo Islands. The people 
ire all noted pirates; they are the Algerines of the eastesn seas. Ce¬ 
lebes is a large, irregular-shaped island ; the nort hern part is inhabited 
by the Bngis, and the southern by the Macassars. The women here 
mingle freely in all the affairs of life, and are even sometimes called 
to the throne. The town of Macassar belongs to the Dutch. 

11. The Spice Islands,, or Moluccas, produce the precious spices, 
eloves, nutmegs, and mace. Gilolo, Ceram, Bouro, Banda, and Arn- 
boyna, are the principal islands. Nassau, a small town on the island 
of Neira, is the residence of the Dutch governor. 

12. The Philippine Islands comprise two large and a number of 
smaller islands. They are rich in natural resources, and furnish many 
valuable articles of commerce. These islands belong to Spain ; but the 
inhabitants are chiefly of the native races, the Tagalas, Bisayas, &c. 
Among these nations are several small independent states. 

13. Manilla, on the west side of the island of Luzon, is the capital of 
all the Spanish colonies in the East, and is a large and flourishing city. 
It is the centre of an extensive commerce, and its harbour is thronged 
with European, American, and Chinese vessels. 


Map No. 28. — What great circle passes through the middle of Ma¬ 
laysia ? Er. — In what zone is Malaysia ? Td. — How long is Su¬ 
matra ? Java ? Celebes ? Luzon ? Mindanao ? How long and wide 
is Borneo? What is the population of Sumatra? Java? Borneo? 
Celebes? Philippine Islands? Manilla 7 Batavia? Samarang? 
Acheen? Palambang? What strait separates Sumatra from Ma¬ 
lacca ? Ma. — Sumatra from Java ? Sa. — Borneo from Celebes ? 
Mr. — How wide are the straits of Sunda ? 


Sumatra? 6. Java? The natives? 7. Batavia, &c.? 8. Bally, &e? 
9 Borneo, &c. ? 10. Sooloo Is. ? 11. Spice Is. ? 12. Philippine Is. ? 
15 Manilla ? 




332 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY 


214 


AUSTRALASIA. 

1. Australasia comprises a number of islands lying 
south-eastward from Malaysia: of these, Australia or new 
Holland, New Guinea, and New Zealand, are the most ex¬ 
tensive. The inhabitants are chiefly Papuan Negroes, and 
rank among the lowest of the human family. 

2. Australia, formerly called T^ew Holland, is the largest island in 
the world. It is now a part of the Eritish Empire. New South Wales, 
North Australia, South Australia, and West Australia, are its chief 
divisions. The Blue Mountains are the highest range, and the Murray 
the largest river, yet discovered. 

3. The aborigines of 
Australia are very rude 
and degraded: those in 
he interior exist on roots, 

'tubs, worms, and what 

hey kill in the chase. 

Those on the coast live 
mostly on” fishing, yet 
their canoes are of the 
rudest description. Some Native on his Log. 

are merely a large piece of bark folded and tied up at each end, and 
some only a log, on which they sit and guide with their hands. 

Australasia. Q. —1. What is said of Australasia? 2. Australia? 
T te three great divisions, &c. ? 3. Describe the aborigines. 4. Botany 






Convicts landing at Botany Bay. 
























AUSTRALASIA. 


333 

4. In the southeast part oT Australia is the Botany Bay Colony 
founded in 1787: to this place many thousand criminals have been 
transported from Great Britain. The bulk of the population is, how¬ 
ever, formed of free settlers : to these the convicts are apportioned as 
labourers during the period for which they were sentenced. 

5. The Colony extends along the coast about 300 miles: it is di¬ 
vided into counties, and contains several towns. The country is bet¬ 
ter adapted for grazing than tillage; sheep are abundant, and their 
wool forms a large part of the exports: wheat, Indian corn, and pota¬ 
toes, are the principal products. Sydney, the capital, has a good har¬ 
bour, with considerable commerce. 

6. In West Australia is the Swan River Colony ; in which no great 

improvement has yet taken place. South Australia and Port Philip 
district, in the south, are flourishing colonies. Adelaide is the chief 
town of the first named, and Melbourne of the last. • 

7. Van Diemen’s Land, or Tasmania, settled in 1804, is nearly equal 
in size to South Carolina. The climate of this island is cooler, but the 
productions are nearly the same as in the other colonies. About one- 
third of the population are convicts. Hobarton is the capital. 

8. New Zealand comprises two large and one small island. The 
area of the whole somewhat exceeds that of the State of Virginia. The 
soil is fertile, and produces Indian-corn, wheat, yams, potatoes, and a 
species of strong and serviceable flax. 

9. The natives are a well-formed race, varying in complexion from 
a chesnut colour to a dingy white. They were, until recently, very war-* 

like and ferocious, and were all cannibal*. Tat¬ 
tooing was general, and the faces of the chiefs 
were almost entirely covered over with figures 
of various kinds. The New Zealanders make 
good sailors, and many of them now serve on 
board merchantmen in that capacity. 

10. In the northern island the exertions of 
the missionaries have produced an important 
change : 35,000 of the population now profess 
the gospel, 15,000 are in the schools, and 
there are 300 native preachers. New Zealand 

New Zealand Chief. is annexed to the British empire. The towns of 
Auckland, Wellington, and New Plymouth, all on the northern island, 
have been founded by British colonists: the first named is the capital. 

11. Papua, or New Guinea, is believed to be one of the most fertile 
countries in the world, but the intertor has never been explored. Lou- 
isiade, New Britain, New Ireland, Solomon’s Archipelago, the New 
Hebrides, and New Caledonia, occupy the N. E. part of Australasia,. 



Bay Colony. 5. What is said of it ? Country, &c. ? 6. Swan Rivei 

Colony ? South Australia ? 7. Van Diemen’s Land ? 8. New Zealand ? 
9. What is said of tattooing ? 10. Of Papua, &c. ? Louisiade, &c. ? 



DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 



334 

and are but little known. The inhabitants, like alf savages, are divided 
into petty tribes, and are at constant war with each other. 

12. About 2000 miles south of Australia is the Antarctic Continent 
discovered, in the year 1840, by the American Exploring Expedition, 
commanded by Lieutenant C. Wilkes. Nearly about the same distance 
south of New Zealand is Victoria Land, discovered in 1841, by Cap- 
tain J. C. Ross, of the British navy. (See Map No. 3.) 

Map No. 28. —What great circle forms the north boundary of Aus¬ 
tralasia ? Er. —What tropic crosses Australia ? Cn. — In what zones 
is Australasia ? Td., S.-Te. — How long and wide are Australia and 
Van Diemen’s Land ? How long are New Guinea and the two largest 
islands of New Zealand ? What strait separates Australia and New 
Guinea ? Ts. — Australia and Van Diemen’s land ? Bs. — How wide 
are they ? What island is inhabited by convicts from New South Wales? 
Nk.-*-What is the population of the Botany Bay Colony ? Van Diemen’s 
Land ? South Australia ? New Hebrides ? New Caledonia ? Swan 
Rivei Colony ? Sydney ? Hobarton ? How far is it from Hobarton 
to London? To New York? Name the New Zealand Isles.* 

-215- 


Sandwich Islanders burning an Idol. 

POLYNESIA. 

1. Polynesia comprises the islands situated in the Pacific 
Ocean, between Malaysia, Australasia, and South America. 
Its climate is similar to that of the West Indies, but is more 
mild and regular. 

Polynesia. Q. — 1. Describe Polynesia. 2. Products. 3. The peo- 


* See the account on Map 28. near New Zealand. 













POLYNESIA. 


335 

2. The chief products are the bread-fruit, yam, taro root, 
sweet potato, plantain, banana, and cocoa-nut, besides various- 
fruits, comprising oranges, limes, citrons, pine-apples, figs, &c. 

3. The people of Polynesia are often called the South Sea Islanders- 
they are in general mild and gentle, yet fierce and warlike when sti¬ 
mulated by interest or revenge; and their wars have been carried on 
with such ferocity, that some islands have been entirely depopulated. 
The cruel customs of sacrificing human beings, eating human flesh, 
and the murder of infants, were common, and were sanctioned by thei: 
nativtf religion. 

4« ;The Ladrone Islands were the first known to Europeans of an} 
m this region,-having been discovered by Magellan in 1521. The ori¬ 
ginal inhabitants have been nearly all exterminated by the Spaniards. 
The Caroline Islands are situated in a tempestuous ocean, and exposed 
to furious hurricanes. Both these groups belong nominally to Spain. 

5. The Sandwich Islands are the most important of this region. Ha¬ 
waii, or Owhyhee, the largest of the group, is nearly the size of Connect¬ 
icut. The people, in 1819, destroyed their idols, and in the following 
year the Christian religion was introduced by American missionaries. 

6 A large proportion of the inhabitants have been taught reading, 
writing, and arithmetic, by the missionaries. Churches have been 
erected: the press is established, and the Scriptures, school-books, 
newspapers, &c., are printed in the language of the country. 

7. The town of Honolulu, in the island of Oahu, is the capital of 
the Sandwich Islands; it contains about 7000 inhabitants, of whom 
300 are Americans and English. Many American and European 
*hips are always in port: some small vessels belong to the natives. 
Laheina, on the island of Maui, is also a considerable town. 

8. The Mendana Archipelago comprises the Marquesas and Wash¬ 
ington islands : they are very fertile, and furnish food to the inhabitants 
almost without labour; the people are among the most finely formed of 
any known race, and are but little darker than Southern Europeans. 
They are now, or were very recently, cannibals. The Marquesas 
Islands have been taken possession of by the French. 

9. The Society and Georgian Islands were the first in Polynesia of 
which the inhabitants embraced Christianity. Eimeo is the chief station 
of the English missionaries. Otaheite, or Tahiti, the largest of the Georg¬ 
ian Islands, is governed by a queen. Papeta is the capital. Dancing, 
once the chief amusement of the people, was performed on all occasions 
of pleasure, worship, state, or ceremony, but is now less practised. 

10. The Pearl or Paumotu Islands comprise an extensive range of 
small islands; they are but little known, and many are uninhabited. 
The Austral, Hervey, and Palliser Islands are situated at various 
distances from Otaheite; the people speak a language - ; milar to that 
of the Otaheitans, and have all been converted by the missionaries. 

pie, &c. 4. Ladrone. Caroline. 5. Sandwich Islands. 6. What has 
been done by the missionaries ? 7. Honolulu ? 8. Mendana Archi- 

pelagj? 9. Society and Georgian Is.? 10. Pearl? Austral, &c.? 



336 


DESCRIPTIVE GEOGRAPHY. 



Otaheitan Dance. 


11. The Friendly Islands comprise the Navigator’s, Tonga, Ha¬ 
baai, and Feejee islands; the inhabitants of the latter are the most 
ferocious and savage of any in Polynesia; they are large and muscu¬ 
lar, and of very dark complexion. In the Tonga and Habaai islands, 
a great number of children are instructed in the schools; and many of 
the natives are church members. 

12. Pitcairn’s Island is settled by the descendants of the mutineers 
of the ship Bounty: the inhabitants are an amiable, religious, and 
moral people, and speak the English language. The Central Archi¬ 
pelago, the Archipelagoes of Magellan and Anson, and the Bonin 
group, are composed of a number of small islands: they are but little 
known, and are seldom visited. 


Map No. 28. —What great circles pass through Polynesia ? T.-Cr , 
Er., T.-Cn.—What zones is Polynesia in ? N.-Te., Td., S.-Te.—What 
is the population of the Sandwich Islands ? Washington Is.? Mar¬ 
quesas Is. ? Society and Georgian Is. ? Paumotu Is. ? Cook’s Is. ? 
Australis.? Navigator’s Is. ? Vavou? Habaai Is. ? Tonga Is. ? Fee¬ 
jee Is. ? Gambier Is. ? Pitcairn’s Is. ? Easter Is. ? How far is it from 
the Sandwich Islands to London ? To New York ? To the coast of 
Mexico? To the Columbia River? To China? From the Marquesas 
to the coast of Peru ? What islands have been converted to the Christian 
religion ? Which have been partially converted ? How many miles does 
the Pacific Oceafi extend from east to west ? From north to south ? 


11. Friendly Islands? Tonga, &c.? 12. Pitcairn’s Island? Central 
Archioclago, &c.? Bonin Islands? 












































































